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Reneej on Family fire emergency preparation checklist

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:25:51 +0000

Contact your local Fire Department for assistance with this project. They have community liaisons to work with you on your plan.

Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children at the earliest possible age how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room and teach all family members.
Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Draw a chart for each child’s room to help them remember.
Teach each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas, and electricity at the main switches.
Call your insurance agent twice a year to update your insurance coverage.
Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher. Keep at least two on each level of your house. Mount the fire extinguishers on the wall, and be sure everyone knows where they are. Your local fire department will help you practice using them.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a disaster supplies kit.
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Practice fire drills. Be sure you have a prearranged meeting spot in case the family is separated.

sapuser on Why Buy Homeowners Insurance

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:53:51 +0000

Your home is probably your most important tangible asset. For most families, the ability to generate an income is the only asset that is more valuable. And, there is an emotional connection to your home, isn’t there?

So, homeowners insurance doesn’t just protect the bank if your house burns down! That insurance protects you and your family, so that you can rest easy knowing if something happens, you’ll be able to move back into your house in a reasonable time. There are a number of things to consider about how much insurance to buy. First, the amount is not based on your mortgage. Most states have laws in place forbidding the bank from requiring you to purchase the same amount of coverage as you have on the loan. This is because real property, (that is, the dirt your house sits upon) is never insurable. Second, remember that the insurance can cover full replacement value or just the depreciated value of the house. Calculate carefully how much insurance to purchase so that you can completely rebuild your home if you choose the replacement cost option. Take into account your personal belongings, rare items, guns, property kept off premises, business use of personal property, and so on. Tell your agent as much as you can about how you use your property so that she or he can properly cover your valuables. You’ll need coverage for theft, fire and other perils. Remember flood is not covered under a homeowners policy. You should buy a separate policy for flood. And don’t forget about liability coverages! If you are sued, you might need help with your defense, and even when you aren’t to blame your insurance company could help you with your attorney’s fees or even get a lawyer for you. So be sure to carry high liability limits.

Reneej on Keeping Your Cool While On The Road

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:35:08 +0000

With so many people on the road during peak vacation months, it may be a good time to brush up on what you should do in the event you’re involved in a crash. Here are some tips that may save you some time and aggravation.

Preparedness starts before you leave the driveway: Put a cheap digital camera and pen and paper in your glove box. Car insurance claims can be settled faster if there’s a good record of what happened, and pictures always help. If you can take photographs or collect license plate numbers, or even names and phone numbers of witnesses, these can all help your claims personnel establish facts faster. If you’re involved in a crash: • Move your vehicle out of the roadway, if you can. If your car is able to be driven, move it off of the road a safe distance. Most states require that you do this, so it is ok. By getting off the road, you can help to avoid a second collision. • Turn on your flashers or your lights if there is no hazard of fire. You want to be certain your vehicle is visible to other drivers. • Check yourself and your passengers for injuries first, and then those of the other vehicle. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. • Call local police to report the crash. • Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the crash. The earlier your insurance company knows about the crash, the faster it can get to work to resolve your claim. • Start documenting what happened, if you can. If you’re able to do so safely, take photographs, make notes, ask witnesses for names and phone numbers. If you’re not able to do so safely, stand as far from the roadway— and the crashed cars—as you possibly can. • Exchange only your insurance company name. Don’t discuss the details of your coverage with anyone at the accident scene, and don’t accept responsibility for anything. • Exchange vital information with the other driver(s) such as names, addresses, and phone numbers. These are all useful to your insurance company in settling the claim.

Reneej on Swimming pool safety

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:08:20 +0000

Swimming pools are very popular with a lot of homeowners, but they also present some possible risks for you as well. While you may think that having friends over is a very hospitable thing to do, you may also be assuming a significant financial risk in doing so. In addition, your pool can unknowingly be facing liability from strangers since believe it or not, pools are attractive to uninvited guests or “pool hoppers” such as children in the neighborhood, and you could even be held liable for injuries to these uninvited guests! The American Red Cross reports; drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years.

Your insurance plays a key role in protecting you if you own a pool. Your homeowner’s policy should have liability in it covering bodily injury and liability protection in the event of a claim. Coverage is most likely to be provided if all of the risks are known prior to a claim. So make sure your insurance agent knows that you have a pool since a swimming pool will increase the risk of property damage or a liability claim. A typical homeowner’s policy also covers property damage to a home and additional structures. Your in-ground pool usually is considered an “additional structure” just like a sheds or detached garages. Above-ground pools may be considered “personal property” and insured under that section of the homeowner’s policy. So it is important that your agent knows what type of pool is being insured. In summary, if you own a pool, sit down with your independent agent and check the amount of homeowners’ property and liability coverage you have, and make sure it is adequate. Your agent can help you determine the proper type, and amount coverage needed. In addition, you may want to also go through the rest of the policy since you are reviewing it.

Reneej on Flood Insurance: What It’s All About

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:57:28 +0000

Just a few years ago, Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf coast of the United States, wiping out more than 250,000 homes. That massive storm painfully brought to public awareness the fact that flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Many consumers were unaware that, even though their homes were ruined in the hurricane, they were not insured since they lacked flood insurance. Insurance against flooding (rising water) is different from insurance against driven rain or leakage, which often are covered. Since that time, tens of thousands of Americans have purchased flood insurance for the first time. Three perils—fire, lightning and windstorm—are traditionally covered by homeowners property insurance. Flooding is excluded from homeowners coverage, as floods tend to be catastrophic in nature causing widespread damage in a geographic area. Private insurers are not able to absorb all that risk. Hurricanes get a lot of attention, but big storms are not the only cause of floods, nor are floods limited to coastlines. In fact, flooding is the nation’s most common and frequent natural disaster, according to federal officials. Flood insurance first came about after the federal government was called upon to bail out communities. As the nation grew after World War II, flood-damaged communities turned to the federal government for disaster relief and rebuilding assistance. In the 1960s, Congress sought a more proactive system, and in 1968 created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This community-based insurance mechanism requires municipalities to adopt and enforce flood-abatement measures. In order to join the NFIP, it must adopt a program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing future flood damage (including zoning and building requirements). Flood insurance is available only to consumers in communities that have joined the NFIP. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It provides flood coverage to homeowners and renters as well as commercial building owners. Coverage is provided through Trusted Choice® independent agents as well as through other insurance agents. Flood insurance may not just be desirable for homeowners, it may be required. For example, mortgage lenders are legally bound to require consumers buying a house in a high-risk flood zone to have flood insurance. Consumers owning or renting property in low- or moderate-risk flood areas can buy flood insurance, and may be eligible for a lower-cost preferred risk flood policy. Flood insurance protects against losses to buildings and contents (not the property on which they sit). Coverage is in effect whether flooding results from heavy rains, storm surge on the coast, melting of snow, blocked storm drainage systems, levee or dam failure, or other causes. Waters must cover at least two acres or affect at least two properties to be considered a flood for insurance purposes. Residential flood insurance provides as much as $250,000 of coverage for dwellings for 1-4 families, and as much as $100,000 for contents. Commercial property owners can get up to $500,000 of insurance for the building and the same amount for contents. Condominiums also can be insured. Unlike homeowners insurance, flood insurance has a waiting period. The NFIP sets a standard 30-day waiting period before flood coverage goes into effect (except for lender-required flood insurance, if more insurance is required because of a flood map revision, or if existing coverage is being increased upon renewal). A Trusted Choice® insurance professional can help you sort out whether you need coverage, what type to apply for, and what to get. Flood insurance can be purchased by us. We are your Trusted Choice® insurance agent.

Reneej on Tips for better boating and smooth sailing this summer

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:08:06 +0000

Before you go out on that first pleasure cruise or offshore fishing trip this summer, make sure your boat insurance is current, and shipshape! Insuring boats is very different than insuring cars, homes or even other specialty coverages. Boats require very specific coverages. To avoid a “sinking feelings” about your boat insurance policy, you may want to consider a few tips: Explore the specific needs of your boat. There are some insurance companies that provide some types of “no-frills” boat coverage that may be added to your existing auto or homeowner’s policy. Now, this may sound good in theory, but the reality of the fact is your boat will more than likely may be better covered if you look for a more specific policy designed for only boats, and not an endorsement to your auto or homeowner’s policy. Contact a knowledgeable independent insurance agent who can review all the options available to you. Your specialized boat policy can cover things not likely covered by your homeowners or auto policy, such as the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear or electronic equipment or even your trailer. You may even get coverage for emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup. Get the advice of your independent agent who can help you with all of your options. “Captive agents” typically only represent one insurance company, but independent agents represent several companies, so they find a variety of coverages that may suite your needs, and can review as well as evaluate all of your policies, answer your questions and suggest possible new coverages that meet your changing or even challenging needs. They can also offer insight to the policy that provides you with the best combination of specialized coverage, along with claims service and price. Find a company that offers specialized boat policies. A true test of an insurance company’s worth is how they handle claims. When there is a claim, you will measure the worth of your insurance company on how they handle it. We suggest you ask other boaters what company they recommend or find an independent insurance agent who understands boat policies. Work with your independent agent to make sure you understand you policy and what you’re buying. Your independent agent should be able to explain, in your terms, what your policy covers and what the different options mean. If you are unclear about something, they should be able to further explain them to you.

Reneej on A Little Information About Flood Zones

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:46:20 +0000

What are flood zones? Flood zones are certain areas identified by a federal agency called the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that area in terms of the risks of flooding in that area. Contrary to certain belief, everyone lives in a flood zone—it's merely a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area. How do I find out whether or not my property is at risk of Flood, and if so, how bad? You could go to FEMA and fill out their risk profile or you could call us. What is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and how do I use it? You may have heard the term “FIRM MAP”. Well a FIRM is a map created by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for floodplain management and insurance purposes. You can also get Digital versions of these maps; DFIRMs. FIRMs generally show your community's base flood elevations, flood zones, and floodplain boundaries. You can use this map to get a reliable indication of the flood zone you're in. These maps are constantly being updated due to changes in geography, construction and mitigation activities, and meteorological events, so for a truly accurate determination, contact us or your community floodplain manager. What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)? Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), or floodplains. These areas are indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Basically, a home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage, and will require insurance. What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA)? A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a low-to-moderate risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains. Just because a structure is within a NSFHA, does not mean it is not at risk…just not high risk. Remember this; one out of four floods occurs in an NSFHA! Properties in these areas generally are less expensive to insure, and we always suggest carrying coverage even in NSFHA areas. I live on the coast, is this different zone? Yes. The coast has some of its own idiosyncrasies. These areas are called a V zone, and you will need to speak with an agent or FEMA about how to insure these areas since these are special risk-rating procedures for the coastal high hazard areas. Not only are the rates different, but the procedures to acquire Flood Insurance is different as well.

sapuser on Is Your Home Fully Insured?

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:56:29 +0000

If you’re like most Americans, your home is your largest investment, so you know how important it is to protect it. You probably take safety precautions and have insurance that will cover you in case of a loss. But are you fully protected? Chances are, no. You probably are running the risk of having to pay money out of pocket to rebuild your home after a loss, to replace stolen items or to settle a liability lawsuit. Consider the following questions to determine if you are, like most homeowners, underinsured.

Are you working at home? Do you have a home-based business? If so, you’re not alone—40% of Americans operate a home-based business that provides their sole means of living or extra income. Most people don’t know that their standard homeowners insurance provides very limited coverage for business property and generally no liability protection for business use of the home. You can get this coverage added to your homeowners policy by an endorsement or by purchasing a separate business policy.
Do you have recreational vehicles? Watercraft, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and similar recreational vehicles add spice to your family’s life. But you should know that liability coverage for these type vehicles is not provided by your homeowners insurance. Accidents happen. So add this critical coverage to your policy by an endorsement or addition.
Did you build an addition recently? If so, did you update your homeowners policy? Most Americans neglect this important step, leaving their family vulnerable to significant out-of-pocket expenses to rebuild after a loss. New additions to the structure and grounds may increase your liability and coverage needs. So, if you’ve added a pool, another bedroom or a home theater, you best inform your insurance agent so that you can be adequately protected
Will your policy pay to rebuild or replace your home? The recent ballooning of home prices has lead to a corollary increase in the cost of building materials. These increases directly impact the amount of insurance homeowners must carry to avoid costly penalties for being underinsured. Get a home appraisal now so you can determine how much homeowners insurance you need to rebuild or replace your home.
Do you own an historic home? If the answer is yes, your home poses a unique requirement on your homeowners insurance. That’s because older homes do not meet the stringent building codes in effect in most towns and cities today. If there is a loss, your old home will have to be rebuilt to the new code. A standard homeowners policy limits increased construction costs and the lost value of property. Again, add this coverage as an endorsement to your policy.
Do you have expensive items or a collection? Most standard homeowners policies limit coverage for high-value items like expensive jewelry, art collections, antiques and other collectibles. Think about how valuable these items are to your family—both monetarily and emotionally—and decide if you need to secure additional coverage either by an endorsement to your homeowners policy or through a specialty policy.
Do you have medical payments coverage? Most homeowners don’t carry this protection, often called “goodwill” protection. It provides payments for medical care for people injured on your property (regardless of fault) up to three years after an accident. In today’s lawsuit-happy society, medical payments coverage could save you tens of thousands of dollars. Get this affordable coverage added to your homeowners insurance policy today.
Check for leaks regularly. If there’s a leak in your house, then you’ve got problems and probably damage to your home, too. To prevent a lead from mushrooming you should regularly inspect your home. Look for discoloration in ceilings, floors, walls and tiles. Check for water in the basement and around appliances. Check the foundation. And, check indoor hose connections in the laundry room, bathrooms and kitchen. Repair damaged or suspect areas immediately.
Get an alarm system. Unfortunately, there are crooks among us who are looking to take away your prized possessions. Arm yourself! If you don’t own an alarm system, get one. It is a great deterrent against break-ins and could save you money on your homeowners insurance. Test it regularly—at least monthly—to ensure it is operating properly. And, most importantly, use it. An alarm system will not dissuade burglars if it’s off!
Got a pet? Fido sure is cute. But he could cost you a lot of money if he bites the neighbor’s kid or the mailman. Pet bites and attacks are one of the most common causes of homeowner liability claims. Insurance companies judge certain breeds to be more dangerous. Some, such as pit bulls, may be excluded from coverage altogether. Before adopting a pet check with your insurance company to ensure it will be covered by your homeowners insurance.

By addressing these issues now you can prevent costly claims and save money on homeowners insurance premiums over the long term. And, your family will have peace of mind knowing that your homeowners insurance will be there no matter what life and Mother Nature throw at you.

Reneej on Why Do I Need To Buy a “Renter’s Insurance” Policy?

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 11:02:29 +0000

On October 4, 2009, I heard of a guy who was visiting his parents in Vero Beach, Florida. At 4:32 a.m., he got a call on his cell phone and the caller ID showed it to be his daughter. (He knew very well that it was not going to be a good call at that time of night!) She said, “Dad, my apartment building just burned to the ground.” She literally lost everything she owned, except for a small overnight bag she had with her; she was at her boyfriend’s house for the weekend…but he didn’t want to talk about that! Fortunately, all residents (and pets) got out alive and unscathed. As she hung up with him that morning, her last words were, “Thank gosh my Dad is an insurance nerd!” Just 52 days earlier, she had purchased (at her Dad’s directive) an HO-4 policy, at $230 a year for $30,000 of coverage on her contents. As you can see in the photos, which show the fire that morning, it was a total loss. Her HO-4 carrier paid a bit over $28,000 for this loss. Not a bad deal at all…he paid $230 and got $28,000 back. At times, he still can’t believe that his daughter had a total loss fire. (It’s always supposed to be someone else….right?) Fortunately, she had the proper insurance, which allowed her to put her life back in order with very minimal disruption. Folks, it can…and does…happen to any of us, as well as to you our customers. It’s not always someone else. Remember Murphy’s Law? There are several takeaway lessons from this event:

It’s not always the other person who has a catastrophe.
Insurance will not prevent catastrophic losses, but it does make them easier to deal with.
The $30,000 of contents coverage she had in this case seemed like a lot more than was needed when she bought the policy, but the claim paid nearly policy limits. Contents add up fast.
Documentation, documentation, documentation is key; she had none. The day after her fire he took a digital camera and went through his entire house, taking over 180 photos of his belongings. He now has those photos stored at four different locations, over two computers, an online service, and at the house of a family member in another state. A bit overkill, but remember…he was an insurance nerd!

Reneej on A Growing Threat - Roots and Sewer Lines

Thu, 13 May 2010 22:18:02 +0000

Ever drive down the street and see a front yard with a trench that looks like someone is dredging a channel from the front door to the street? While a select few may be installing an expensive irrigation system, most are having the sewer line replaced. This line consists of a pipe that runs from the home to the mainline under the street. The lucky among them have undertaken this project on the advice of a proactive plumber who warned of the consequences of backup or leakage due to cracked or clogged pipes. The unfortunate majority have already experienced those consequences. There are many substances that can clog a pipe. Most can be controlled, others cannot. Consider tree roots: a common reason for clogged and cracked pipes, which can cause most unpleasant damage to the inside of your house. Remedying this unfortunate situation can be costly, and depending on the nature of the project, is not covered by standard home insurance. Consider the costs: (1) cleaning up damage to/in the house caused by the roots growing into the pipe, and (2) fixing pipes damaged by the roots. In the case of the former, some home insurance policies will cover damage to your home if a clog causes your plumbing to overflow; others will not. Thus, if the root clog causes a toilet to send water the wrong way (which falls on people’s “biggest fear” list somewhere between death and clowns), resulting damage such as warped tiles, soaked carpet and furniture may not be paid by insurance. Luckily, most standard home insurance policies can be modified to cover this significant exposure for additional premium. Cost of the modification varies but can be inexpensive; some providers will add the coverage for only a few dollars. Consider the latter. In addition to paying for damages caused by the clogged or cracked pipe, homeowners will need to protect their property by having roots removed and installing piping that is not damaged. This could mean digging up several square feet of your yard, conducting repairs, and closing the hole as if nothing ever happened- not an easy or inexpensive task. If this happens to you, don’t panic! While unmodified home insurance does not cover resulting damage, it may cover the cost to tear out and replace the damaged pipes. The kicker is “damage”—the home insurance policy will often cover the cost to fix the pipes if they are physically damaged by the roots, such as when the root penetrates a joint causing it to crack. It is possible for a root to clog a line without damaging the pipe- if this happens there would be no coverage to fix the pipe because it is not physically damaged. There are many unexplainable phenomena in nature and the unpredictable root structure of trees and plants certainly qualifies. Talk to us. We are your Trusted Choice^® independent agent, and can show you how to amend your home insurance to control the impact of this “growing” threat.

Reneej on Make sure you are covered before getting on that motorcycle!

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:23:56 +0000

Spring is in the air, and it's about that time to start thinking about cruising down those open roads on your motorcycle either by yourself or in a club on an outing. We want to make sure that before you hit the road, sit down with your independent insurance agent and make sure your insurance policy is up to speed so that you, your passenger, and your bike are protected. Here are a few tips that will help you: 1. Make sure your insurance policy is still active. If you don't drive your bike that much, you may have let your coverage lapse. It takes a few seconds to check this. Look at your policy ID. It should have your expiration date on it. Also, some companies have a winter layaway period when some of your coverages may be restricted. Check with your independent agent about this to see if you have any type of limited coverage. 2. Modify your policy. Let your independent agent know about any changes that may affect your policy… Most of the time it is customization of your "ride!" A quick call to your independent agent can secure coverage that meets your needs. 3. Cover those customized parts. Did you know that parts such as chrome parts, custom paint jobs, or any special add-ons like custom rims or other parts will invariably increase the value of your motorcycle? If you've added custom parts or equipment, make sure they're protected, and ask your independent agent to update your policy. 4. Drop the coverage you don't need. Older bikes may or may not have great value. So, if you do own an older bike, check the value. Don't pay for coverages that you don't need. You may want to consider deleting the collision coverage if it is to expensive and you bike not worth the expense, but keep in mind that you won't be covered if your bike flips or collides with another object. 5. Raise your deductible. If you purchase comprehensive and collision coverage, you may want to consider raising your deductibles. This can lower the cost of your physical damage coverage, but will increase your cost at the time of loss. 6. Shop around. Prices can vary between insurance companies depending on a lot of factors, so have your independent insurance agent shop around since they will have several markets to compare to.

Reneej on What To Do After a Flood

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:34:34 +0000

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

Reneej on Finding the Right Commercial Auto Policy

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:18:40 +0000

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.

Reneej on Who Wants to Be You? Identity Theft a Common Risk for Consumers

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:29:28 +0000

Nine million! That’s how many Americans have their identities stolen each year, estimates the Federal Trade Commission. From January 2005 until October 2007, a staggering 215 million personal records were breached, reported the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. The FTC noted that, in half of the criminal incidents in 2005, thieves obtained goods or services worth $500 or less. In 10 percent of cases, thieves stole at least $6,000. ID theft has only been a crime since 1998, when Congress passed the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, but it’s escalated as a problem. Not only do criminals use identity theft to steal assets, they also commit crimes in the name and character of the victim. The FTC urges a “deter-detect-defend” approach to battle ID theft, which costs consumers and businesses plenty of money and time. Deterring means safeguarding personal data to make it harder to steal and misuse. Detecting means monitoring and becoming aware of irregularities that indicate data has been stolen. Defending means reporting the crime and then taking steps to regain data security, recover stolen assets and fix misused information. Identity theft criminals commonly use six methods to steal consumer and business information: 1. “Dumpster diving” for papers with personal information 2. “Skimming”—stealing credit/debit card numbers when a card is processed 3. “Phishing”—pretending to be a financial institution or company and sending spam e-mail messages to get people to reveal personal information 4. Changing an address by completing a change of address form to divert bills to a criminal’s location 5. Stealing wallets, mail, checks, employer personnel records and other paperwork—through breaking-and-entering physically or electronically or bribing employees who have access to information 6. “Pretexting”—using false pretenses or tricks of social engineering to obtain personal information from consumers, financial institutions, telephone companies and other sources. Identity theft robs a victim of time that must be urgently spent to alert police, credit bureaus, financial institutions, medical providers and others. A victim has to prove an identity loss or financial loss; close accounts; write letters to government entities; and even work with a legal advocate to recover and rebuild a stolen identity. Likewise, the costs for legal fees can quickly add up and overwhelm a stressed victim. The loss of work time also can be costly, at the very time when financial resources are under attack by a criminal. Personal and business insurance can play a key role in the “defend” stage of the identity theft battle. Insurers offer services to help consumers and businesses report identity theft and recover from it. Sometimes these services are included as part of a homeowners insurance package or even a business insurance package; the cost may be included or additional. An identity recovery package may include reimbursement of legal fees related to identity theft, as well as costs of credit reports and postage, phone, shipping fees, lost wages and child/elder care for those forced to spend time away from family to resolve the situation. The ID package also might include a limited benefit for mental health counseling for crime victims. The first step in checking on whether you’re covered for identity theft?

Reneej on Before a Flood

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:53:15 +0000

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a flood;

Avoid building in areas prone to flooding. If you do build, make sure you elevate and reinforce your home or business. Check your local ordinances as to the base elevation, and how much higher you need to be to reduce your flood premium.
Always elevate all mechanical items such as furnace, A/C, water heater, and electric panel if your building is prone to flooding, as this is often overlooked.
Install one way "check valves" in your sewer traps (may be required by code). This will prevent floodwaters from backing up into the drains of your home.
Contact your local community officials to find out if they are planning to construct any levees, beams, or floodwalls to stop floodwater from entering the homes in your area. This may also affect your flood rates, and your exposure to floods.
If you have a basement or have a home that is off-grade, seal the walls with waterproofing compounds to avoid seepage.
Check FEMA for other helpful information http://www.fema.gov