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December 9, 2011
Trusted Choice® insurance agencies urge families to take steps to protect their gifts.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Dec. 7, 2011 — Turn the news on during the holiday season and unfortunately and inevitably, you’ll see stories of how a “Grinch” stole someone’s gifts from a car or from under a Christmas tree. As you do your holiday shopping, Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents and brokers recommend you make sure you have the proper insurance products in the event that your prized possessions are stolen.
A new national survey by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) found that 44% of respondents, representing more than 100 million people in the United States, said they have been a victim of burglary, robbery or other form of theft. Of those who said they were victims, only 40% said their stolen property was insured.
“This research proves than no one is immune to theft and, sadly, shows that not enough people have adequate property insurance,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president of agent development, education and research. “Especially during the holidays, it is very easy to be consumed by the hectic pace of the season, but everyone should take time and put family and home safety at the top of their holiday wish list.”
The survey also found that of those whose stolen property was insured, about 58% believed they were fully compensated for their losses. This indicates that in most cases, people who are properly insured fare well in the event of a loss. That figure could be significantly higher if more consumers elected to insure their personal property for replacement cost and not depreciated actual cash value. Doing so typically only adds 10-15% to their homeowners insurance premium.
“If you haven’t done it recently, at least make it your new year’s resolution to meet with a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to assess your risks and insure that your assets, including your new holiday gifts, are protected,” says Robert Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “Independent insurance agents not only advise clients about insurance, but they’re risk and liability experts.”
Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents urge consumers to consider these points to protect their assets and gifts during the holiday season in their homes, cars, while shopping or anywhere:
At Home:
• Break down boxes, especially for expensive electronics, into small pieces and discard them in non-clear trash bags.
• Keep gifts hidden from view at outside windows.
• Lock all doors and windows even when leaving the home for a short period of time.
• Leave spare keys with a neighbor rather than hiding them outside, such as under doormats or in fake rocks. Burglars are not fooled by most hiding places.
• Indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer should be used whenever possible.
• When you’re away from your home for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or friend watch your house and pick up newspapers and mail.
• Beware of strangers at your door. Criminals can pose as couriers delivering gifts or be soliciting donations for fake charitable causes. Ask for identification or information about a charity.
• Many renters have no insurance to cover their personal belongings in case of fire or theft. Existing homeowners or renters’ insurance policies should be reviewed to ensure adequate and up-to-date coverage limits of your home or possessions.
• Valuable gifts such as jewelry, antiques and collectibles may have limited or no coverage under a standard homeowners or renters’ insurance policy. It is often necessary to purchase an “endorsement” or separate coverage for these items.
• Consider insuring your personal property on the same replacement cost basis as your home.
In the Car:
• Lock all doors and roll up all windows even when leaving the car for a short period of time.
• Bring gifts into homes with you overnight rather than leaving them in your car.
• When shopping, keep gifts in the trunk or hidden from view in the interior of the car.
• Put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.
• Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from general vision of others.
• Make a mental note or write down exactly where you park your car to avoid wandering around longer than necessary.
• During the day, park away from buildings to reduce the chance of dings from car doors or shopping carts and the likelihood of vandalism.
• At night, avoid secluded areas and park directly under lights whenever possible.
• Look underneath your car before you reach it when returning from shopping; criminals have been known to lie underneath in wait.
While Shopping:
• Use a credit card in order to avoid thefts of large amounts of cash that cannot be replaced.
• Shopping with a single credit card is preferable—it is easier to cancel one rather than several if your wallet or purse is stolen.
• Keep purses zipped and in your possession close to your body rather than leaving it in your shopping cart where it is more susceptible to theft.
• Be sure to keep a reference list of phone and account numbers for all your credit cards in a safe place at home.
• Try to carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other.
• For freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with packages when leaving a store and returning to your car. You cannot defend yourself with your arms too full of bundles.
• Use ATMs in well-populated, well-lighted locations. Do not throw ATM receipts away at the ATM location.
• Remember there is increased safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone and leave malls and stores well before closing time to assure a more active parking lot.
Other:
• How much was that doggy in the window? The holiday season often includes images of cute puppies under a Christmas tree or a kitten with a sparkly ribbon around its neck. But before you do your holiday shopping at the pet shop, potential pet owners must understand that no matter what they paid for their pooch (or any pet), most homeowners insurance policies exclude animals. So if your pet is stolen, it is not likely you will be able to claim it as a loss with your insurance company.
• Conduct a home inventory after the holidays and make sure than any new items in the home are properly insured.
The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in Media, Pa. Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 1,018 households were conducted in November 2011. The survey has an overall margin of error of +/- 3.1%. For more information about ICR, go to www.icrsurvey.com.
November 30, 2011
Wondering why you pay what you do for car insurance? Check out these five factors that could affect your rate. by Sarah Simmons
When it comes to getting an auto insurance policy, things can get surprisingly personal. From your career and marital status to your address and car model, auto insurance agencies are determined to get the inside scoop on you. Why are these personal tidbits so important? Because, who you are and what you do has a direct affect on your auto insurance rate. Keep reading to learn about some personal factors that affect your auto insurance rate…
Factor #1 – Credit Score
Being punctual about paying your bills on time doesn’t just help you avoid those frustrating late fees; in most states, it can also help you avoid a costly auto insurance rate. How so? Because your credit score is one factor that determines your insurance rate. “There is a strong correlation between credit and accidents,” says Susan E. Voss, president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This means that if your credit score is low, your auto insurer will view you as more likely to file a claim, and your insurance rate will likely be higher. Likewise, if your credit score is high, you’re seen as more responsible and will likely have a lower rate. So if your credit score is low, consider taking steps to improve it. If your credit score is high, keep it up.
Factor #2 – Gender
Thought your parents were the only ones who cared about your X and Y chromosomes? Oddly enough, your auto insurer cares too. According to NAIC, auto insurers use gender as a factor to determine your auto insurance rate because statistics show that men and women have different driving records. And while society has labeled women with the stereotype of being terrible drivers, statistics paint another picture. According to a 2009 study conducted by Quality Planning, an auto insurance analytics company, males are at least 50 percent more likely to be cited for reckless driving than females. As a result, men will likely pay a higher premium than women.
Factor #3 – Occupation
If you carry the title of engineer, scientist, or mathematician, consider yourself lucky because your career can offer more than just a nice paycheck.
“Many companies offer discounts to people with certain degrees, such as engineers, scientists, and mathematicians,” according to J.D. Power and Associates, a marketing information service group. “Historically people in these professions have been less likely to get in accidents.” J.D. Power also notes that certified teachers and people in the military can also receive discounts on their auto insurance rate. In this way, if your occupational group has statistically proven to be responsible drivers, you’ll likely get a discount. However, if your group has a history of one too many fender benders, your rate may take a hike in price.
Factor #4 – Marital Status
For better or worse, your marital status also matters to auto insurers.
“Married people show lower rates of claim,” according to NAIC, and as a result, generally have lower auto insurance rates. Insurance companies give discounts to those in marital bliss because claims histories show they’re less likely to file claims than single people. However, it’s important to remember that once you get married, you share everything. This includes your spouse’s driving record. NAIC advises that “if your spouse has a poor driving record, this could adversely affect your premiums.” As you can see, even when it comes to insurance, being married has its ups and downs.
Factor #5 – Age
“With age comes wisdom” isn’t just a saying; it’s a fact insurers consider when determining your auto insurance rate. “In general, mature drivers have fewer accidents than less experienced drivers, particularly teenagers. So insurers generally charge more if teenagers or young people below age 25 drive your car,” according to the Insurance Information Institute, an organization focused on improving public understanding of insurance. The Insurance Information Institute also notes that many drivers over 55 can qualify for a discount if they complete an accident prevention course. When it comes to auto insurance, it’s important to remember that there are a number of surprising factors that can affect your rate. So, make sure to keep up-to-date with the industry by doing research and shopping around to get the best rate possible.
http://tinyurl.com/7krpyo8
November 17, 2011
Safety Tips for Black Friday Shoppers
The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is the biggest shopping day of the year. When it comes to cashing-in on the day’s deals, the motto is “If you snooze you lose.”
Many stores will open at 12:01 a.m. on Friday and some retailers will even open their doors on Thanksgiving eve in hopes that they can entice people out of their post-turkey dinner food coma. For serious bargain-hunters, the day is the ultimate shopping extravaganza that requires a strategic plan, including store maps and item locations, that’s hatched days in advance. Others take a less organized approach, but are still hungry for a deal or this year’s hottest holiday toy.
The combination of too-good-to-be-true deals and shoppers hopped up on copious amounts of caffeine and tryptophan can be dangerous, though. Overzealous drivers can make parking lots a zoo and sleep-deprived shoppers are less likely to pay attention to the road. Unfortunately, Black Friday, which is considered the unofficial start to the holiday season, also brings out thieves, pickpockets, and others who are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers.
Whether you’re leaving the house at the crack of dawn (or dusk) in search of Black Friday deals or saving your holiday shopping for the last minute, keep these safety tips in mind when navigating the parking lots and wandering the aisles.
On the Road and in the Parking Lot:
• When backing out of a parking spot, be aware of waiting cars, others who are backing out at the same time, and motorists who speed through lanes.
• Lock all doors and roll up all windows even when leaving the car for a short period of time.
• When shopping, keep gifts in the trunk or hidden from view in the interior of the car. Also, put all of your packages in the trunk before departing one parking lot and driving to another. Waiting until your next shopping destination allows others to see packages go into the trunk of your car and then you departing into the mall or store.
• Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from general vision of others.
• Make a mental note or write down exactly where you park your car to avoid wandering around longer than necessary.
• During the day, park away from buildings to reduce the chance of dings from car doors or shopping carts. At night, avoid secluded areas and park directly under lights whenever possible.
• Have your keys in hand when leaving a store. Also, look underneath your car before you reach it; criminals have been known to lie underneath in wait.
• Bring gifts in the house with you instead of leaving them in the car.
In the Store:
• Use a credit card to avoid thefts of large amounts of cash that are irreplaceable.
• Shopping with a single credit card is preferable because it’s easier to cancel one, rather than several, if your wallet or purse is stolen.
• Keep purses zipped and close to your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart where it is more susceptible to theft.
• Keep a reference list of phone and account numbers for all your credit cards in a safe place at home.
• If possible, carry keys, cash, and credit cards separate from each other.
• For freedom of motion and clear visibility, do not overload yourself with bags when leaving a store and returning to your car. It’s difficult to defend yourself with when you’re carry a lot of packages.
• Use ATMs in well-populated, well lit locations. Do not throw ATM receipts away at the ATM location.
• Remember there is increased safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone and leave malls and stores well before closing time to assure a more active parking lot. Ask mall security to walk you to your car if you feel you are not safe.
In additions to remembering these safety tips, you should also review your insurance policies with your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to make sure you have the proper coverage in case an accident or theft does occur. Liability coverage will protect you if you hit another motorist, collision coverage will cover the damage to your car, and comprehensive coverage will insure you for damage by vandals or theft of your vehicle.
September 6, 2011
Every new “like” on the Trusted Choice® Facebook page during July sent $10 to children’s charity.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 8, 2011 – Trusted Choice®, the consumer branding program for independent insurance agents and brokers recently wrapped up a special social media campaign to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. For every new “like” on the Trusted Choice® Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TrustedChoice) during the month of July 2011, Trusted Choice® donated $10 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with a minimum donation of $100,000 and a maximum donation of $300,000.
“Through this promotion, Trusted Choice® will help change the lives of the children we serve,” says David Williams, president and chief executive officer of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America. “A Make-A-Wish® experience is an incredible gift that can make seriously ill kids stronger and more optimistic – and we’re grateful to have supporters like Trusted Choice to help us make even more wishes come true.”
The Trusted Choice® Facebook page grew by 17,159 new “likes” during the month long campaign resulting in a $171,590 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“Trusted Choice® is proud to have used social media in such a positive way to raise money and awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “Independent insurance agents and brokers have a strong track record with countless charity efforts in their communities and this successful campaign was an amazing way for us to join forces for a very worthy, national campaign.”
About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is one of the world’s leading children’s charities, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 200,000 wishes in the United States. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish® with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Trusted Choice® was launched by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) and several independent agency companies to highlight the benefits independent agencies and brokerage firms offer consumers—choice of companies, customization of policies and advocacy support. It is the premier consumer brand for independent insurance agents and provides national advertising and other strategic tools to reach consumers.
Trusted Choice® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 13,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 61 leading insurance companies. For more information, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.
August 2, 2011
There are so many different car insurance companies in this day and age. Some are companies who have been around for the past century whereas some are new and not well known. Paying attention to the benefits that their policies provide, just not the price of the insurance itself, will make all the difference when it comes to an unfortunate mishap on the road. Also remember, that even if a vehicle is an older model compared to the ones sitting on the dealers lot, sometimes that old car sitting in your garage will run you more money on the insurance due to the cost of the vehicle or even due to its performance or risk of being stolen.
http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2011-01/5-car-insurance-surprises.aspx?storyid=55496
June 21, 2011
As millions of people across the U.S. plan to host parties or gatherings near water this summer, Trusted Choice® and the Big “I” caution hosts to be aware of the many risks and to be prepared in case of an accident.
Summer has arrived and for the next few months, many people will take advantage of the weather by hosting summer parties, testing the waters with sports and recreational watercraft, firing up outdoor grills and uncovering backyard swimming pools. Summer can be lots of fun, but it’s important to take a few precautionary steps to limit seasonal risks.
In a 2010 national survey, more than 43% of respondents, representing 98.6 million households, said they plan to host a party or any kind of social gathering over the summer. Of those, more than 32%, representing more than 32.1 million households, indicated that their event will be held in or around water (such as a pool, beach, boat, lake, etc.).
Offer your clients the following tips to help make their summer a happy and safe one:
Summer Parties: Alcohol and Social Host Liability
Asking guests to stop drinking at a summer party can be very awkward, but protecting their families and guests is more important.
- SUI? No swimming under the influence. It’s best to avoid alcohol consumption when swimming. Always consume alcohol responsibly when swimming or entertaining at your pool.
- Are you hosting illegally? Familiarize yourself with your state’s host liability laws, and to make sure you’re properly insured. Consider hosting your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather than in a home or office.
- Swimming with strangers? Limit your guest list to those you know.
- Fill their bellies. Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.
- Party like a teetotaler. Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol.
- Slumber party? Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive.
- Last call? Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end.
- Just say no. Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.
- Bring in the professionals. Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.
- Don’t forget who is host. Stay alert, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.
- Read the fine print. Review your insurance policy with your agent before the event to ensure that you have the proper liability coverage.
Pool Safety
- Got fence? Always fence in a pool in your yard, and check your state and local ordinances for fence height requirements. Fencing should include a locked gate that should generally remain locked. Understand that as a pool owner, you are responsible and liable for anyone who comes on to your property and into your pool—even accidentally.
- Put a lid on it. Always cover an empty or partially empty pool in the off-season. Serious injuries can result from children or others jumping or falling into a pool that is not full. When possible, consider an easily-retractable pool cover to seal anytime the pool is not in use, even in the summer.
- Safety first. Never let children swim alone, and keep a properly-maintained supply of safety equipment in plain view of all swimmers, including life rings and other floats, lines and a first aid kit.
- Schedule an annual physical for the pool. Maintain the pool properly. Check pools edges thoroughly at the beginning and end of each season to ensure that no tile, concrete or other material has come loose. Sun and other elements can damage these edges and pose a hazard to those who step or pull up on them. Always use a non-slip, quick-drying material to avoid injuries on walkways and other areas surrounding the pool.
- Get certified. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among children under five. Have a family member take a safety course to become Red Cross certified to help in the event of an emergency.
- Talk to your agent. Tell your insurance agent if you install a backyard pool. Some homeowners policies exclude pools, and extra coverage will be needed. Ensure that you have adequate liability insurance.
Grills and Outdoor Pits
- “You can prevent fires.” Thoroughly clean gas grills at beginning of the season. Replace and maintain fire extinguishers near but not on the grill at all times. Never throw a match in a grill, especially after the gas has been on three seconds.
- What to wear? Never wear a loose apron or loose clothing while grilling. Always wear shoes.
- Press the button. Always use the grill’s starter button. If the starter is broken, do not use the grill.
- Say no to rust. Cover the grill to avoid corrosion and rusting in both the controls and gas line. Rust can make grill controls hard to read and make the starter button difficult to depress. Consider using a grill with an automatic starter rather than a button starter.
- Cut the fat. Avoid cooking foods with a high fat content which can produce high flames. Always thoroughly cook food to a safe temperature.
- Is it in the book? Never throw away a grill instructions or owner’s manual. Follow manufacturer’s directions carefully.
- That’s hot. Outdoor fire pits are often low to the ground and could be alluring to children. Make sure to keep children away even long after the fire has been extinguished. Fire pits can hold heat for several hours after the flames are gone.
Driving/Vehicles
Boats
- Understand your liability and risks. The homeowners policy is not designed to cover significant watercraft exposures and consumers should contact their agent to see if coverage can be added or if they need a separate watercraft policy that fully covers damage to the boat, liability and uninsured boaters.
- Is that a rental? Many people rent boats. Even with a watercraft policy, be aware that there may be no coverage for rentals.
- Don’t be a castaway. Never use a boat that is not equipped with fully operational safety equipment onboard. At a minimum, any boat should contain life preservers for all occupants, a well-stocked first aid kit, powerful flashlight, two-way VHF radio, fire extinguisher, flare kit and a local area water chart. Large boats should also contain additional lines of varied size and an inflatable lifeboat.
- There ISN’T always room for one more. Never exceed the passenger capacity recommended by the manufacturer.
- Keep the instructions. Always keep all owners’ manuals onboard.
- Hit the books. Take a boat safety and operations course, sponsored in many communities by the U.S. Power Squadron or the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Drinking and boating. Know the law and your limits when it comes to drinking aboard any watercraft.
Jet skis
- They’re fun, but not toys. Jet skis and other similar recreational water vehicles can be very dangerous and they can require separate insurance policies. Owners should also consult their insurance agent to make sure they have adequate liability coverage to protect them, especially if they regularly ride tandem or if they injure others in an accident.
- Sorry kids. Children should never ride a jet ski.
- Look up at the clouds. Never use a jet ski in foul weather. Strictly follow all safety guidelines and make sure anyone driving the vehicle knows exactly how to operate it and shut it off.
- No risky business. Take care and understand the risks in storing and transporting jet skis. Standard homeowners and auto policies will not cover theft of the water vehicle from a trailer.
- Renting? Use caution when renting a jet ski and know your responsibilities. Always consult an agent to fully understand liability exposure and coverage in this situation.
Other/general driving/vehicle tips
- Shades are cool. Summer sun glare is an issue for all drivers of any kind of vehicle, and particularly for senior citizens whose eyes and/or prescription glasses can’t easily accommodate changes in light. Unexpected glare can cause serious accidents. Be prepared by always keeping glasses, visors or other sun shields in your vehicle, especially if traveling near or on the water.
- Don’t make it your last call. Never operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol, certain prescription drugs or fatigue. Obey all traffic laws and maintain safe driving habits.
- Avoid the tow truck. Make sure you and your party guests follow all parking rules and ordinances, especially in residential neighborhoods.
May 27, 2011
Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents provide disaster preparedness and safety tips as hurricane season begins.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 25, 2011 – As the United States experiences and recovers from tumultuous weather, with parts of the South and Midwest reeling from the destruction of fierce recent tornados and flooding, forecasters predict shifting weather patterns and many named storms as hurricane season officially begins next week on June 1.
Yet, according to a 2010 survey by Trusted Choice® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers (the Big “I” or IIABA), many Americans are unprepared for a disaster. More than half of respondents (51%) admitted they are only somewhat prepared, and more than a fifth of households (22.7%) reported that they were not prepared at all. Almost 36% said they don’t have or don’t know if they even have adequate insurance coverage to help them through a disaster.
Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents can address these issues and more as extreme weather bears down on much of the country and can also offer disaster-specific readiness and recovery tips for consumers. Trusted Choice® experts can help:
- Sort through coverage confusion when severe weather damages or destroys residential or business property
- Advise how business interruption coverage is impacted by hurricanes and other disasters
- Explain hurricane safety and flood readiness tips, including home and business inventory prep and utilities check-listing
- Supply information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Detail safe evacuation procedures
- Discuss how to recover from storm and flood losses, whether or not the property is insured
- Provide suggestions on emergency repairs and rebuilding
- Offer tips for “drying out” safely and replacing belongings
For more specific disaster readiness and recovery tips, click on the corresponding headline.
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