tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42416176848964005602024-03-13T13:57:55.822-07:00Chris Raders Insurance BlogChris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-9777373914201843542015-01-09T14:50:00.001-08:002015-01-09T14:50:37.533-08:00Google is expected to enter the Insurance Business!<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">An
article today indicated that search engine powerhouse Google intends to get
into the insurance sales business. Google which has a number of business
entities is said to enter the insurance business in the United States under
Google Compare Auto Insurance Services and is licensed to sell insurance in 26
states and in one state has the ability to offer insurance from six insurance
companies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Google insurance site was originally to be tested in California last year but
had been delayed to sometime in the first quarter of 2015 and then be rolled
out in Illinois, Pennsylvania and then Texas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
does this mean for the insurance consumer? Well, not much really. The insurance
companies that will be featured by Google already offer insurance direct to the
consumer. So, all that Google will be offering is a search feature for
insurance rates for companies that already offer insurance direct to the
consumer. The consumer will have another choice to price comparison shop which
is a good thing however access to insurance markets has never been limited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wal-Mart
has also recently entered the insurance sales business by offering kiosks in
their stores and limited access on their website. For the consumer that
appreciates shopping online and is well acquainted with Google the new option
will be welcomed. Similarly, for the consumer that likes to shop at Wal-Mart
and would like the convenience of buying their insurance at the store the
option will be welcomed just like Google.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
insurance agents the sky is not falling. Consumers that like to shop insurance
on their own should have the options to do so and for the same consumers that
like to buy insurance on their own the additional option of having Google
offers more choice. The consumer should have the ability to write their own
wills without an attorney; should be able to complete their taxes without a tax
professional; should be able to invest without a stock broker; plan their
retirement without a financial planner and yes should be able to buy insurance
without an insurance agent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">However,
for someone who is serious about their assets, who want to protect their family
today and into the future an insurance agent is an important part of that plan.
So, welcome Google but I am not worried.</span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-35022978164944732132014-05-02T09:33:00.001-07:002014-05-02T09:33:52.007-07:00Earthquake & Flood Insurance are not included in Your Homeowners Insurance – Part 2
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
our last blog we discussed earthquake insurance and noted that it is not part
of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Earthquake insurance is readily available
in the marketplace and there are many insurance carriers that provide the coverage.
Today we are going to discuss flood insurance which is also not included in
your homeowner’s insurance policy. In the United States flood insurance is a
separate policy from the homeowners policy either purchased directly through
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through a write your own program
whereby you purchase flood insurance through an agent who works with an
insurance company that receives backing from the NFIP. Either way, all flood
insurance in these two options is backed by the United States Government. Just
recently, private flood insurance has become available in the South Eastern
United States. This private insurance is not backed by the United States but is
financially strong and has competitive rates. We should see more private flood
insurance become available over the next few years as competition for flood
insurance becomes more viable.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Every
year, the news shows a tragedy from flooding. News crews descend into a
community that has experienced flooding and the topic ends up with a homeowner
who has just been informed by his insurance company that his homeowners
insurance will not cover the flood. This is just terrible not only because of
the extreme suffering of this family and others just like them but because we
can’t seem to get the word out to everyone that flooding is not covered by
homeowners insurance. There are so many myths and distortions that it is
important that we get the truth out to the consumer:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Flood
is never covered by a homeowners policy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
must buy flood insurance to be covered for flooding.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
don’t need flood insurance because the government will buy me out or help me to
rebuild.” NOT TRUE! The government may help you with temporary housing, food,
clothing and medical assistance and they may assist you with a low interest
loan so you can rebuild but they are not going to rebuild for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“If
my home is damaged or destroyed my mortgage will be forgiven by the lender.”
NOT TRUE! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
don’t need flood insurance because I am not in a flood zone.” NOT TRUE! Everyone
everywhere is in a flood zone. The difference among flood zones is the amount
of risk for flooding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Flood
Insurance is too expensive” MAYBE – MAYBE NOT! If your home was built according
to standards for flooding within its flood zone the cost can be very
reasonable. If your home is located in a “preferred risk flood zone” the
government will subsidize your insurance rates. However, if your home was built
before flood standards or built without regard to flood rules the cost can be
very expensive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
going to shop around for the best rate” All federally backed flood insurance is
the same premium whether you buy direct or through an agent. The NFIP sets the
annual premium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
decision to buy flood insurance should be up to you to decide unless you have a
mortgage and your lender requires you to have flood insurance. If you don’t buy
flood insurance and your home is destroyed by a flood that was a calculated
risk that you took. What is important is that you know that flood insurance is
not included in your homeowners insurance. Flood insurance is readily available
for purchase. If you have questions about flood insurance you can go directly
to the NFIP website at <a href="http://www.floodsmart.gov/"><span style="color: blue;">www.floodsmart.gov</span></a>
this is a terrific site with loads of information about flooding. However, if
you want real information specific to your home talk to your insurance agent.
Your agent can get your exact flood zone and determine the amount of insurance
needed and the cost. If you would like more information you can
contact me at (805)238-1818.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-44998993578710898102014-04-18T11:13:00.000-07:002014-04-18T11:13:16.292-07:00Earthquake & Flood Insurance are not included in Your Homeowners Insurance – Part 1
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the past two months the west coast of the United States was rattled with
several small earthquakes. This reminded me to share with my clients and
friends that earthquake insurance and flood insurance is <u>not included</u> in your
homeowners insurance policy.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Earthquake
insurance can be purchased through private insurance markets either
individually or through the same insurance carrier that provides your
homeowners insurance. Specifically on the west coast some large insurance companies
have gotten out of earthquake insurance all together in the last decade. However, as an insurance
agent I find the coverage readily available in the marketplace. In California
there is an organization that helps place the consumer with affordable
earthquake insurance called the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). The
insurance companies that participate in the CEA provide earthquake insurance in
partnership with the CEA generally at a reduced premium compared to coverage offered
by carriers that do not participate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
deductibles are much higher than your homeowner’s insurance policy. This was a
result of changes in the industry to keep earthquake private, available to the
consumer and relatively affordable. So the deductibles can range from 5% / 10%
/ 15% / 20% / 25% depending on the carrier. So, if you chose a 10% deductible
and the replacement cost value of your home is $354,000 you would be
responsible for the first $35,400 before insurance would step in and pay up to
the replacement cost value of your home. That may seem like a lot of money for
a deductible but if you keep in mind the potential loss to your home it is
easier to finance $35,400 than it is $354,000. The lower the deductible the
higher the insurance premium and consequently the higher the deductible the lower
the insurance premium. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
decision to buy earthquake insurance is a calculated risk. For some it is just
not an option because they cannot afford to. For those who can afford the
coverage but do not buy it is a strategic decision based on how much equity you
have in your home, the likely hood that an earthquake will damage your home and
whether you have the resources to make the repairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
is a myth that in the event of a disaster the government will step in and pay
for you to rebuild. You should not base the value of your investment in your
home on the assumption that the government will pay. Using the last four
natural disasters as an example the government will help provide you with
temporary living arrangements feed and clothe you and provide a low interest
loan so you can rebuild.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What
is most important regarding earthquake insurance is to have a conversation. Now
that you know that your homeowners insurance will not provide coverage for
earthquake you can decide whether to buy earthquake insurance or not and if you
do buy what deductible to choose. Talk to your insurance agent for examples of
coverage and shop the insurance markets for the best premium.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-49170592688325512322014-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:002014-01-31T09:45:07.565-08:00A Health Insurance Horror Story
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
can send men to the moon. We can drop rovers on Mars with pinpoint accuracy. We
created a national highway system that is the envy of the world. We can send
emergency aid around the world immediately when it is needed and we can fight
two wars at the same time and our public is barely aware. It is proven that government
can do big things successfully so how is it with three years of planning before
rolling out that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Obama Care is such
a bungled mess? Seriously, this isn’t some rant against the ACA or how it
should have never been placed. That part is over, it is the law of the land and
we need to live with it. However, I am responsible for protecting my clients
and taking care of them and I do not know how to do that right now. I am ticked
off at how poorly this whole plan was put in place and the total lack of follow
through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
have clients that we represent that paid their premium in November and December
and still do not have their insurance ID cards! A telephone call to the
insurance company is a two to three hour ordeal and if you get through it is
generally someone who can’t answer your question and refers you to the website.
We have clients who need service but we can’t find doctors who will perform the
procedure because contracts with physicians, clinics and hospitals are still
not settled!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
insurance carriers in our area of California get a (C) grade point for preparation.
They certainly could have done better and the number one issue is staffing. The
carriers are way behind in processing new applications and do not have the
resources to answer the phones. They knew that there was going to be a huge
surge last minute – what were they thinking? However, as hard as it is to
believe I am going to defend these insurance carriers because what most people
do not know is that right up until the middle of December the government was
still changing the requirements of the carriers with regard to the ACA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
know that my mom would tell me “Son, this too shall pass” (one of her favorite
sayings when I was growing up) and I know that she is right. Eventually the
insurance carriers will get caught up, they will answer their phone calls, our
clients will get their ID cards, find doctors who can help them and I will be
able to help my clients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
hope that when this mess is over that someone creates a business case study
that examines the steps that led to this fiasco. The only way forward is to
learn from our mistakes and not make the same mistakes again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-41372639291390867102013-12-27T09:12:00.000-08:002013-12-27T09:12:07.079-08:00What Type of Insurance Buyer Are You?
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I have
had some interesting conversations about insurance this past week. I have
spoken to several individuals who are buying insurance because they are
required to, forced to by government or by a lender. In each case these
individuals have told me to only insure for the base requirements and not a
penny more. I generally refer these individuals to another insurance agency
because they will never be happy with their insurance plan and will definitely
be unhappy with their insurance in the event of a claim. I sympathize with
these people because I used to be one of them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">You see,
I did not understand that insurance is a financial tool. I thought of it as an
unnecessary expense and hated paying the insurance premium which I considered a
waste of my hard earned money. And, I didn’t understand how insurance paid in
the event of a claim. I just assumed that insurance paid the same regardless
what you pay in premium so I figured that you should pay for just the bare
minimum. It wasn’t until a trusted insurance agent explained to me that
insurance is a contract and you are purchasing a contract that the insurance
company will honor but only to the limits of the contract and no more. So, by
buying the lowest insurance limits I was ensuring that I would not be fully
protected in the event of a loss. The insurance company would pay their
contracted limits and I would be stuck paying the balance how fair is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Here is
the part that changed my perception and how I view insurance now as a tool. The
difference in cost between being insured at the very basic limits and the cost
to be insured properly is barely noticeable. The insurance companies don’t give
you massive savings for choosing the lowest coverage. They still build in all
of the fixed costs of insurance into the lowest limits of liability. So, when
you increase the limits to be properly insured the increase in insurance is at
a much lower rate. In fact, in some cases increasing your limits doesn’t
increase the premium at all! So, why doesn’t everyone carry full limits if the
cost to be properly insured is only nominally more?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">If you
read my previous blog posting you will know how I feel about the insurance
industry focusing its entire message on price turning insurance into a
commodity. Just like buying 4 rolls of toilet paper verses 12. And this
reinforces consumers into believing that if you buy a little, the bare minimum
you must be saving money! I know that it is counterintuitive but in insurance
that simply isn’t true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Insurance
is a tool. It helps you protect what you have allowing you to focus on creating
wealth for your family. You can never get ahead by being insured poorly and
ineffectually and the cost difference by being properly insured is shockingly
low. Next time before demanding the bare minimum compare the cost between minimum
coverage and proper coverage and you may become a convert like me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-90317920906106567452013-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:002013-12-13T15:21:28.702-08:00If All Insurance Is The Same, Why Not Pick The Cheapest?<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">This is
a dirty secret that we in the insurance industry created. It is the monster
that grew too big and now we have no control over. It all started with price
competition which was a good thing. It is important to be competitive and it is
important to the consumer (our clients) to receive the best product possible at
the best price.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And then
something happened. In the zeal of the industry to offer the lowest price, to
never be undersold we treated insurance like a commodity. The consumer (our
clients) have been deluged by advertising for the past 20 years to believe that
they are paying too much for their insurance and in just a few moments by
quoting online or calling in to the company they can save huge sums of money
over what they are paying now.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">After
decades of reinforcing only price the consumer has accepted that insurance is a
commodity no different than laundry detergent, paper towel and other
consumables. If all insurance is the same why not pick the cheapest?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In the
early days of price competition insurance companies found ways to offer their
products at the lowest price possible and that was healthy and smart for the
industry however as more insurance carriers entered the market place featuring
direct to the consumer options the message was only price and less about
providing comprehensive coverage. Again, the image that was presented to our
clients and the consumer was all insurance is the same so just pick the
cheapest.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In this
last decade we have observed even greater pressure to force the price of
insurance down convincing the public that they are paying too much through
credit scoring in most US states and the advent of picking your insurance by
what you are willing to pay. You might be thinking what is the harm in that? The
free market is good for everyone, isn’t it? Credit Scoring is a statistically
proven concept whereby the consumer with lower credit scores is statistically
shown to have higher levels of accidents and violations. Credit scoring has
done a remarkable job of lowering insurance costs for those with the highest
credit scores. Insurance companies advertise the insurance savings based on the
very best credit scores so when they say that you could save $400 on your
insurance premium it is based on those with the best credit scores however the
vast majority do not enjoy those savings and this is the big lie in insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
conversation with the public is all about price and not about the insurance
coverage and this is my biggest fear. When price trumps the conversation about
being properly insured you end up with the consumers not being protected during
a claim. And it reinforces that insurance companies and agents are dirty rotten
scoundrels trying to get out of honoring insurance when we trained the consumer
(our clients) to base their decision on price alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Consider
this, you are going to need heart surgery and you need a surgeon. Do you shop
for the best price or for the best surgeon? You are in a legal fight that could
cost you most of your family assets, do you shop for the best price or the best
attorney you can afford? Think how important insurance is to the average
person. It provides protection for their vehicles and for their home and
personal belongings. It may even provide protection for their very lives and
health. In the event of a catastrophe insurance has the ability to restore that
person, family and their belongings as if it never happened. Literally, that family’s
future and the assets of future generations of that family depend on the type
of coverage that they have. I can promise you after many years of handling
claims that not one of my clients in a serious accident or loss was worried at
the time about how much they paid. So, I will continue to make certain that the
insurance coverage is the first and most important topic that I have with my
clients and then after we agree on proper coverage shop the market place for
the best price. All insurance is not the same and price is only part of the
conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Choose
your insurance first. Ask the hard questions and challenge preconceived beliefs
about insurance to make sure you have the most comprehensive coverage. Make
sure that the insurance company or your insurance agent understands what you
expect in the event of a claim and settle on your insurance coverage plan
first. Only after you have an insurance plan that works for you should you shop
the markets for the best price. And keep in mind that your coverage plan
changes as you go through life. Take the time to discuss your insurance plan
with your agent each year. Be clear that you want your coverage plan to be
competitive and you expect your insurance company or your agent to verify that
it is. If they are unable or unwilling to do so that is when you should look
for another company and/or another agent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-83747996457208936802013-11-15T08:41:00.000-08:002013-11-15T08:41:27.033-08:00What About Other Types of Replacement Cost Valuation?
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Recently
we discussed what replacement cost valuation was and how it is calculated.
Today I want to discuss extended replacement cost and how it provides for
additional coverage in the event of a regional or national emergency. The value
is usually represented by a percentage of the building value such as 25% or 50%
extended replacement cost which would mean that the insurance carrier would
provide and additional 25% or 50% replacement cost value to keep the insurance coverage
within the actual cost of replacement. So if your building is insured for $100,000 and you have extended replacement cost of 25% the insurance carrier will provide for an extra $25,000 in replacement cost coverage: $100,000 X 25% = $25,000 + $100,000 = $125,000.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Extended
replacement cost is not intended as a cure for underinsuring your building.
According to the terms of your insurance policy you are obligated to maintain
replacement cost on your building to a certain percentage of the actual
replacement cost such as 80%, 90% or even 100%. If you recall, this is co-insurance and we discussed this in our last blog.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans the vast amount of rebuilding
actually led to shortages of building materials regionally and around the
United States. And, depending on your proximity to Louisiana it may have been
very difficult to find licensed contractors who were not already on the job
rebuilding. If you were unfortunate to have had a loss or a complete loss of
your building during that time frame there was a real possibility that the cost
to rebuild would have exceeded your replacement cost value. That means that you would have had to pay the difference.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Extended
replacement cost steps in during crises such as the one described to ensure
that there is enough coverage even during a regional catastrophe. Think of the
terrible tragedies where an entire community is destroyed by a tornado or
multiple communities completely destroyed by a hurricane or fire. There will be
shortages of materials and qualified contractors and the cost to repair or
replace your home and business will increase dramatically.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Discuss the insurance needs of your building
with your agent to make certain that you have enough coverage now today and in
the future. We hope that you never need to use the coverage but making certain
that it is there will allow your family and your business to recover in the
event of a crisis.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-61358284480054121482013-10-25T07:10:00.002-07:002013-10-25T07:10:18.049-07:00How Does the Insurance Company Calculate the Insurance Value of My Building or Home? Coinsurance
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">In our last blog entry we discussed types of
valuations for insuring your building. One of the last subjects we covered was
something called coinsurance. What is coinsurance and how does it affect my
property insurance?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">All valuation methods have coinsurance clauses
in their contracts. Why this is important is the insurance carrier wants to
make certain that the building or item they are insuring is insured to full
value. If this wasn’t a consideration no one would insure a property item to
full value but would expect to be reimbursed in the event of a loss at full
value. In another words, a replacement cost valuation indicates that your
building is valued at $500,000. You only insure the building to $100,000 but
expect that in the event of a loss to be reimbursed for the full cost of
$500,000. I know what you are thinking, that doesn’t even make sense! Why would
someone insure their property for less than the value and expect to get a
settlement at the full value? The truth is this happens all the time. In fact,
most lawsuits are over valuation. There are a lot of reasons that owners may
not select the full insurance value for their building and property and often
it is simply a misunderstanding of valuation. Just like we discussed last week
an owner who is convinced that the building isn’t worth any more than the tax
assessed value or decides that the building isn’t worth anymore than a value a
realtor told them could be shocked to find out that the actual cost to replace
the building is far more. And, what happens over time? If you guessed that
costs go up you would be right. So if it cost you to $400,000 to build your
building twenty years ago does it make sense that it would still cost $400,000
to build it today? Of course not, but in many cases I find when working with
clients that they haven’t checked their valuation in years and the coverage
that they had stopped being adequate a long time ago. Unless you have inflation
guard included in your insurance plan your valuation is static and will remain
that way until your request the coverage changed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Coinsurance applies when a building or
property item is underinsured. Most insurance companies will require you to
insure your building to 80%, 90% or 100% of replacement cost. If the actual
cost to replace the building is more than the insurance that you carry by
contract the insurance carrier can levee a coinsurance penalty. In the event of
a total loss your inability to collect the full amount of replacement for the
building can change what type of building that you end up with. However, in the
event of a partial loss I believe that the coinsurance penalty is even more
meaningful. Say that you had a partial fire loss to your $500,000 building. The
damage was $150,000. Unfortunately, you have been insured for $350,000 which is
only 70% of the true replacement cost of the building. Your insurance contract
requires that you maintain a replacement cost value of at least 90%. Your claim
will be subject to a 20% coinsurance penalty and you will not receive the full
cost of the insurance settlement for the repairs. So, based on your $150,000
claim the carrier will use a coinsurance penalty of 20% which is $30,000. You
will need to cover that plus you’re deductible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">This gets even more complicated when you have
multiple buildings and values. The best way to make certain that you are
adequately insured is to have a replacement cost valuation completed by your
agent and company at least every two years. Ultimately, you the owner are
responsible for selecting the correct insurance coverage however there are
tools available to help you and your insurance agent can be a great resource in
helping you to properly insure your building and its contents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-80426506335076375922013-10-18T08:34:00.000-07:002013-10-18T08:34:10.729-07:00How Does the Insurance Company Calculate the Insurance Value of My Building or Home? Part II
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
2004 Cedar and Pine Ridge fires in California led to numerous homes lost to
forest and brush fire. After the cleanup many of the homeowners were shocked to
receive claim settlements of only a portion of the total loss to rebuild. The
homeowners were under the impression that replacement cost of their home meant
that they would get replacement cost at the time the home was destroyed by
fire. Unfortunately, this just wasn’t the case. Many of the homeowners had
insurance policies for their homes that went back 15, 20 and in some cases more
than 30 years and had not made any changes to the replacement value of their
homes. If you recall from last week’s blog I indicated that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Replacement Cost Value is a static value
that represents the replacement value of the structure at one moment in time.”</i>
Over time the cost to rebuild or replace these structures increases however the
insurance value did not. In the end there were lawsuits and the process lasted
years. What is important to remember from this case is that in the end most of
the suits were denied because the responsibility for making sure the structure
is fully insured lays with the owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Insurance
carriers use coinsurance clauses in their policy contracts to require the owner
of the structure to insure to full replacement cost value. You can avoid a
costly mistake in valuation by having your buildings replacement cost value
updated at least every two years. You can also elect to have inflation guard
set up on your policy to increase the replacement cost value of your building
at a set inflationary value each year. And, you should have Extended Replacement Cost or
Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage added to your policy to ensure that spikes
in the cost of materials and labor in the event of a national or regional
catastrophe don’t increase the cost of rebuilding your building beyond the
valuation set by your insurance contract.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the next several blogs I will explain in more detail what coinsurance is and what it does. I
will also cover how to get a replacement cost valuation and what the purpose of
tools like inflation guard, extended and guaranteed replacement cost is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-45446975764077704202013-10-11T08:12:00.000-07:002013-10-11T08:12:33.543-07:00How Does the Insurance Company Calculate the Insurance Value of My Building or Home?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
was working with a client this week on setting the replacement cost value for
his home. We had an interesting discussion which led me to an idea for a series
of blogs on valuation. The information is definitely not exciting but is
critical for making sure that you are insured accurately and I will explain
what can happen when you are not insured correctly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Case
law has developed over the past one hundred years to determine valuation of
property such as your home, rental property and commercial buildings. It even
extends beyond structures to the value of your diamond ring, your collection of
antiques and other personal property. The laws regarding valuation are set by
the insurance code of each state. In most states the responsibility for setting
the correct valuation for insurance rests with the owner. However, if you don’t
know how valuation is calculated how can you make certain you are insuring your
property correctly?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Most
building values are calculated today with Replacement Cost. There are other
values available and we will discuss later in the series but we will focus on
replacement cost as it is the valuation that is most widely used. Replacement
Cost Value (also known as RCV) is simply what it would take to rebuild or
replace a structure today with current labor costs and modern building
materials. (RCV never includes the value of land).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Replacement
Cost Value (RCV) is rarely the same as the retail value of the structure (example:
the value your home could sell for). Replacement Cost Value is a static value
that represents the replacement value of the structure at one moment in time.
If a structure falls out of replacement cost value it will be subject to
coinsurance penalties that would diminish what the insurance would provide to
rebuild the structure or replace in the event of a total loss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A
good insurance agent will carefully consider the building characteristics of
your structure and will use a replacement cost value formula to arrive at a
replacement cost for your structure. This value should always be considered a
recommendation as the final decision on value will always lay with the owner of
the structure. In next week’s blog I will discuss more on how the insurance
carrier calculates replacement cost and introduce a couple of important
insurance terms such as coinsurance which can greatly affect the final
insurance settlement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-79892262852932108372013-10-04T09:18:00.000-07:002013-10-04T09:18:46.735-07:00Creating a Wildfire Defensible Space for Your Home
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We
have seen so many tragedies this past year due to wildfire’s particularly in
the western portion of the United States. Taking steps now to protect your home
from fire risk is a great way to lower the chance of loss when wildfire
threatens the next time. I found an excellent article on the web provided by
CalFire. I thought it was so well written and so important that I wanted to
share with you. Visit the site at: <a href="http://www.readyforwildfire.org/defensible_space"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.readyforwildfire.org/defensible_space</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Everyone
should consider their wildfire risk regardless if they have faced wildfires in
the past. In so many instances, fires have occurred in the past three years
where wildfires traditionally had not been a problem. We have noted wildfires
in the southeast, Texas, southwest and most all of the western states. In this case, an ounce of fire prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure!</span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-28712773510249680482013-09-27T08:43:00.001-07:002013-09-27T08:43:01.170-07:00Protect Yourself, Important Steps in an Auto Accident
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">One
of my clients recently had an auto accident. He was at an intersection in a
lane that went straight. The other party was on his right and turned left into
his vehicle. They traded license and insurance information at the scene of the
accident just like they were supposed to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
client was alone in his car and the other party was alone in their car. Shortly
after the accident the other party claimed that my client was at fault and was
supposed to turn left and instead went straight. My client informed me that was
simply untrue and he was in a lane that was straight ahead and the other party
made an illegal left hand turn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
the end, the insurance carriers for my client and the other party agreed to
just pay their own client claims because there was no way to prove who was at
fault. So, problem solved right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Not
exactly, had the other party been found at fault it would have been their
insurance that would have paid for the damage to my client. Instead, my clients
insurance paid for the damage to his own vehicle which was considered an at
fault accident. What is the big deal? Well, an at fault accident in most states
will stay on your record for five years and you get to pay more insurance
premium because of that. Needless to say my client was really upset and felt
this was unfair. Some of you will say that you have accident forgiveness with
your insurance carrier. That is nice and means that your insurance carrier
won’t surcharge you for your first accident however that won’t protect you from
the loss of a claims free discount which for most insurance companies is
significant. With or without accident forgiveness you’re going to pay more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Regardless
who is at fault insurance is incredibly important to fix your car, fix the
other party’s car if you were at fault and pay for your medical bills and the other
party’s medical bills. I want all of my clients to be safe and to avoid
accidents if they can. If you do have an accident, that is why we have
insurance and it will be there to help when you need it. However, if you were
not at fault I need some additional information to fight for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
addition to trading license and insurance information I want you to take
photos. Odds are your phone takes pictures. Even the oldest cell phones have a
camera. I realize that having an accident is traumatic and when it happens it
is easy to forget but when it is safe to do so take photos of the accident
scene. Take photos of where you were and where your vehicle is now. Take photos
of the damage to your car and the damage to the other car. Take photos of the
license plate on the other vehicle and of the driver of the other car and any
passengers. The more information that you have will help your insurance claim
and protect you if the other driver was at fault.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
had an accident (my first) this year. I not only took photos of the accident
but my phone allows me to take video as well. I had the other driver on video
saying that he wasn’t paying attention, he was texting and didn’t see me until
it was too late. End of story, he was at fault. And, yes his insurance carrier
tried to indicate that we shared blame until I played back the audio from the
video with their client apologizing and indicating that he wasn’t paying
attention. That was that, they accepted full responsibility.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-22570797856677787232013-08-02T07:23:00.000-07:002013-08-02T07:23:30.333-07:00Is Insurance A Big Fat Waste of Money?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
had a call yesterday from a gentleman that was looking to replace his business
insurance. He was incensed that the premiums had gone up and was venting to me
about how unfair the insurance community was and how insurance was a big scam
to take his money. He has gone 30 years without a claim and all that money was
wasted. He could have gone all that time without insurance and would be
thousands of dollars richer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
an insurance professional I do get calls from people who are frustrated and I
do understand the frustration. And, the industry that I represent doesn’t
always reflect compassion and clearly outline what insurance does and does not
do. The confusion grows to anger especially when the insurance is mandated by
government, a lender or another business that you need to do business with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
used the following example to explain: I asked the caller if he had a home and
he said yes. I asked him what the replacement cost value of his home was
approximately and he said about $625,000. I asked him if he had a loan on the
home and he said yes so I then stated that he probably had to have insurance on
the home and he said yes and don’t get him started on the cost of homeowners
insurance! I asked him approximately the cost of his homeowners insurance and
he said $750. So I said you have been paying that premium for about how long on
your home and he said 21 years. I said you have never had a claim and he said
that was correct and all that premium he has paid over 20 years has just gone
down the drain, in fact he could have burned the money and would have gotten
the same value. So, I added, just to make sure that I understand you have paid
about $750 per year for 21 years and never received any benefit from a claim?
He said that was right. So, he had paid out $15,750 over 21 years (maybe a
little less as the premium was lower 21 years ago).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now
it just so happened that our agency had a client whose home burned to the
ground and was valued at $550,000. He had been with the company that insured
him for less than 5 years and the insurance company paid the full replacement
cost to rebuild the home and picked up the cost to haul away the debris from
the ruined home and picked up the cost to build to current building code. In
addition, the insurance company provided funds to find a temporary place for
the client and his family to live. The total cost was about $600,000. The
client was only out $1,000 for his deductible and the sum of his insurance
payments to the insurance company for less than 5 years was $3,750. But if we
use the example the caller had provided me then he could have paid for 21 years
and $15,750. If our client was faced with paying $15,750 over 21 years to
recoup $600,000 and his family’s financial health would he consider the $15,750
a fair investment? I guarantee you that he would and so would anyone else in
the same situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There
are two frames of mind when considering insurance: One, it’s an expense that
costs me or, Two, it’s an investment in my family’s plan for developing wealth
and protecting our assets. In the end I didn’t change the callers mind but it
reminded me why I protect my clients and why I look to find value for them and
why I prefer to work with clients who understand how insurance works for them
and not against them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-61406385921892429002013-07-19T07:53:00.003-07:002013-07-19T07:53:59.502-07:00Thoughts on Celebrating the 4th of July
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
am frequently away from my family and recently traveled by auto to my home in
Washington State over the 4<sup>th</sup> of July. During the long car ride I
had an opportunity to reflect on all the previous 4<sup>th</sup> of July
holidays in my life and as a child and then a young adult. Early on the holiday
was about spending time with family and friends with huge outdoor BBQ’s and
then of course the excitement of the fireworks show at night. In my memories
the day was always sunny and hot, my mom would make us kids clean up and wear
clean clothes, she would cook up a dish to pass and several pies and off we
would go with my dad to the party! There would be other kids to play with,
games to play, it was wonderful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
wasn’t until later in life when I began to realize that those idyllic parties
that I enjoyed as a child were bought and paid for by so many who sacrificed
for our nation. The price of freedom is great and my experience and happy
memories owes a debt to those who have served our nation and continue to serve
today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Now
that I am older, the holiday is still special for the time that I can spend with
my family but I have a greater appreciation for all the freedoms that I enjoy
in this great country of ours. My wife Lisa is a wonderful cook, just like my
mom we had loads of food, family to spend time with and of course the fireworks
on the beach of the Pacific Ocean. It was a wonderful day and I am grateful to
have had the opportunity to celebrate the 4<sup>th</sup> of July.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-4806497648164671922013-06-28T09:24:00.002-07:002013-06-28T09:24:45.857-07:00Autonomous Vehicles – Insurance Science Fiction?
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ok,
I have to admit…. I am a science fiction junky. I love all of it, the
technology, the positive hope for the future like Star Trek and the scary parts
like Aliens! So, I have been following with interest Google’s Autonomous
Vehicles. In case you haven’t heard, Google has a fleet of vehicles driving
around California and Nevada with no one on board but a computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">While
I am disappointed that the cars don’t fly like in Back to the Future it is
pretty incredible technologically that we have self driven vehicles. Now you’re
probably wondering so what? What does this mean to me and why should I care?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
early adopters of this technology will be business. Imagine a service company
that has crews delivering products or services all day long. Instead of the
employees spending their time navigating the road from point to destination
they can be processing invoices, preparing for the next appointment and making
calls for future appointments, answering questions by phone and email and even
participating in meetings by Skype.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">It
is all about productivity and for the businesses that outlay huge sums for
payroll while employees drive, they will invest in this technology and lower
insurance costs because the vehicles do not speed, do not tailgate, get angry
or distracted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Eventually,
autonomous vehicles will be a standard feature and will change the way we drive
and the insurance industry will need to change with it. Watch for big changes
in this category in the next five years! I can’t wait!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-63146799829473872682013-06-07T10:05:00.000-07:002013-06-07T10:05:37.858-07:00I Love Sunshine but It Doesn’t Love Me!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">OK,
this next blog doesn’t really have anything to do with insurance. I worked an
outdoor BBQ recently for a service club that I belong to and while I used sunscreen on my face
and neck I didn’t use anything for my scalp. I keep forgetting that I don’t
have as much hair as I used to. Anyway, you guessed it; I got sunburn on the
top of my head! Experts say that you only need to expose yourself to continuous
direct sunlight for as little as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>15
minutes to put delicate skin in danger, with the hours between 10am and 4pm,
and late spring and early summer time, being the riskiest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Natural
skin color is also a factor <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">– the fairer
your skin the higher the risk of suffering sun damage</b> which, in a worst
case, can cause skin cancer but also ages appearance and can be very painful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following
"easy option" recommendations for sun protection:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Use
sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, reapplying every two
hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wear
clothing to protect exposed skin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wear
a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Wear
sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of the rays as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Seek
shade, especially during midday hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-20277319163922515102013-05-10T09:23:00.000-07:002013-05-10T09:23:49.001-07:00A Claim Story
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
was just calculating the number of claims that I have processed over the years
as an advocate for my clients and I came up with 303. I have never had an auto
accident until just recently. The odds caught up with me and I was rear ended
while at a stop light waiting for the light to turn green. Normally, I am in a
position to help my clients and walk them through the claims process. This
time, I was responsible for using what I know to help myself and I wanted to
share a few things that I did that could help you when the time comes that you
have an accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
accident was low speed so I wasn’t injured however you should never take for
granted that you are not injured by self diagnosis. Get checked out, make
certain that there was no damage caused by whiplash or trauma. I didn’t have
anyone in the car with me so there were no other individuals that I needed to
check on however if there was that would have been my first duty to see to
their care. And, when in doubt regarding injuries call 911.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
next step was to check on the individual that hit me to see if he was OK.
Before I stepped out of the car I took my smart phone and set it to record
video. You may not have a smart phone but you more than likely have a cell
phone and that cell phone takes pictures so get ready to use it. Before I
stepped out of the car I checked the condition of the road around me to make
sure that it was safe. One of the number one causes of secondary injuries are
drivers that get out of the cars on busy streets or highways and get hit. I saw
that it was safe so as I stepped out of my car I began to record where my car
was located at the intersection, where the vehicle was located that hit me. I
also recorded the vehicles that were lined up behind us including their license
plate numbers and the vehicles across the street and their license plate
numbers (I did this to have a record of other drivers in the event of a need
for witnesses). I stepped to the back and recorded the damage to my vehicle and
recorded the other driver telling me how sorry he was for hitting me. He said
that he had only looked down for a moment and that was when he ran into the
back of me. He was concerned that I was injured and he said he was truly sorry
and he had insurance. I recorded the exchange between us and then suggested
that we move our vehicles to the side of the road to exchange information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Once
we were safely off the side of the road I took his driver’s license and his
insurance ID card and I photographed them with my phone. I also took a photo of
the front of his vehicle where it hit mine and license plate number. Why did I
do that rather than write down the information? Because immediately after an
accident your body surges with adrenalin and you are more prone to make
mistakes in taking down information. A picture takes all the information at
once and does not make mistakes. Take multiple photos to make certain that they
all come out. I collected the other driver’s phone number and confirmed that
his address was the same as what was on his insurance ID card. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Depending
on the severity of the accident you should call 911 to report the accident. In
the community where I was hit the police department does not respond to
non-injury accidents and expects those involved to trade insurance and license
information and allow the insurance companies to sort out damages and repairs.
When in doubt, call 911 and report the accident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Once
I had arrived home I took detailed photos of the damage to my car. If there is any
doubt at all as to who is at fault I would have immediately called my insurance
carrier and reported the damage. In this case I was at a complete stop
waiting for a light to change when I was hit so I rightly expected the other
drivers insurance to pay for my loss. Do not wait several days to call in the
claim, do it now while everything in your memory is fresh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
uploaded the video and the photos to my computer and printed the driver’s
license, insurance card and photo of the Ford Explorer that clearly showed the
license plate. If you can’t transfer files from your phone to your computer you
can still email them to yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
called in the claim to the other driver’s insurance company and provided them
with the information regarding the accident. It is important that you do not
take out your frustration on the clerk or adjuster taking your information.
They are only doing their job and it won’t help to be angry or threaten them.
Also, it is not necessary to tell anyone that you have the whole incident on
video, that is only for you to use if things go wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ultimately,
the other driver’s insurance company was honorable and took care of the repair
to my car. It was my right to go to the body shop of my choice and most states
forbid an insurance company from requiring you to use a body shop that they
recommend. The insurance company paid for a rental car so I could continue to
go about my life during the repairs and you should always inquire about this.
In the event that the accident is questionable as to who was the primary cause
they can decline to cover a rental car and then it would be up to your own
insurance company and only if you carry rental car coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
car was repaired and returned to me and all worked out. I never had to use my
video or detailed photos however if there had been a problem I would have
provided all the data and video to my insurance agent to support my claim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
moral of this story is to stay calm after an accident, deal with any injuries
first and then record the accident completely before you move the vehicle
unless remaining where you are could risk further injury and property damage.
This applies to any accident whether it is a trip and fall, storm damage or a
collision, record the accident to protect yourself and then put your agent to
work to help you to return your life and property to pre-accident condition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-82097643382568416572013-04-26T08:06:00.000-07:002013-04-26T08:06:12.812-07:00Be Prepared - Emergency Planning For Business
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
spend a lot of time discussing potential disasters at home and the steps that
you can take to protect yourself but what about losses at work with potentially
even more serious consequences, not just because of the number of people
affected but also because some companies have additional hazards that could
create emergencies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
addition to the risk to human life, there's the threat to the continuity of
your business and the livelihood of your employees – and you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Think
you're ready for it? Try out this simple 10-point test from the Institute for
Business and Home Safety: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://tinyurl.com/IBHS-test
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Hmmm. Just as I thought – but if I was wrong, well,
go to the top of the class! Check out the IBHS site, disastersafety.org while
you're there. You'll find some good tips on various hazard risks and programs
dealing with them. I have a lot more information to share in the coming weeks
so check back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-34579337231817676112013-04-12T10:26:00.004-07:002013-04-12T10:27:09.889-07:00In Dealing With Emergencies Go To The Experts<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In
several previous blogs I have discussed what to do and how to insure for
potential loss. Today I would like to point you to two organizations that
understand disaster, loss and recovery. We all know their names but did you
know they have terrific websites and resources available for planning for
emergencies?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
it comes to dealing with emergencies and disasters, The American Red Cross
really knows their stuff. So, if you have Internet access, check out that
organization's online presentation, for information on preparing for
emergencies and disasters. Find it here: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/rc-ready"><span style="color: blue;">http://tinyurl.com/rc-ready</span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another
well known organization is FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. They
produce a wide range of publications and guidance for dealing with all kinds of
disasters, including incidents for which I simply didn't have the space to
cover here – such as chemical alerts, landslides and tsunamis, as well as
valuable advice on recovery and rebuilding after a disaster. Their website is <a href="http://www.fema.gov/"><span style="color: blue;">www.fema.gov</span></a> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
know that reviewing both of these websites won’t be as fun as playing “angry
birds’ or checking Facebook but knowing where to look for support and
information in advance of a loss is a great way to be prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-76235383313683272102013-04-05T08:43:00.001-07:002013-04-05T08:43:35.510-07:00Health Insurance Exchanges Slow to Develop
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you have been wondering about the health insurance exchanges that states are to
have ready for their citizens so am I. All citizens of the United States are to
have health insurance as of 01/01/2014 and the development of health exchanges
are supposed to help make buying insurance an easy experience. States could opt
to form their own exchanges, or work with the Fed to develop on a partnership
basis and finally not form an exchange and allow the Fed to complete for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With
the requirement for health insurance for so many new customers the sooner that
we know what the plans are and the prices the easier it will be for everyone to
make the transition. Many of my clients have asked what is going to happen after
01/01/2014 and while I know what the law states I don’t know much beyond that.
I am hoping that by this summer we will have a comprehensive listing of health
insurance plans to be offered and what roll that I as an agent will play in
helping my clients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-17661233380268593792013-03-29T12:04:00.000-07:002013-03-29T12:04:38.884-07:00Lost or Stolen Credit Cards, Debit Cards and Identification
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
stopped using checks last year and now I use a debit card exclusively. I know I
am behind the curve as that is so several years ago! But, I was impressed with
myself for being so current and I like the convenience as opposed to using
checks. Well last week I was filling up the car at a gas station when I took a
call on my phone. I finished up and jumped in the car and realized 30 minutes
later at the grocery store that I had left the card at the pump. I flew back to
the gas station and some Good Samaritan had taken the card into the office
where it was awaiting me. I can’t tell you how panicked I was and how nerve
wracking that trip back to the gas station was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
the emergency was over it occurred to me how unprepared I was if I lost my
wallet with my identification, debit cards, credit cards even my social
security card. When you lose confidential items like credit cards, keys, and
other personal documents, you also run the risk of becoming the victim of a
further crime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Whoever
has these items might use them to steal further from you – perhaps your money,
items from your home or car, or even your identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
can minimize the risk of this happening by taking prompt action. Contact the
police, of course. Then you must notify the issuers of all missing credit and
debit cards, check books and travelers checks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
task is considerably easier if you either have a separate list (not in your
wallet!) or the emergency numbers for these issuers and banks (you'll find them
on the cards and other documents) or subscribe to a card security service that
you contact via a single number and they will look after the rest. I of course
had not done any of these things so it would have been much harder to recall
what I had and who to call.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">These
cards and other documents will normally be cancelled straightaway. The
notification process also usually (but not always) covers you against
subsequent fraudulent use of the items – so speed really is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
then need to contact the issuers of any other items (like Social Security,
health insurers, state department of motor vehicles, and even your library) so
that they are not fraudulently used, and let your insurance agent know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">New
cards can be issued and replacement checks can be provided quickly, though
replacement Social Security cards generally are not issued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
it's possible you may become the victim of identity theft, you need to notify
the credit reporting agencies and get a fraud alert placed on your records. It
is possible to freeze your credit so no one can open an account in your name.
For more information see my blog post from 08/10/2012 on “Protect Yourself from
ID Theft”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
know what Grandma always said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Now I am prepared and hopefully will never need to use it!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-20254842028093963952013-03-22T09:51:00.000-07:002013-03-22T09:53:17.889-07:00What To Do In The Event of a Burglary or Theft<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<v:shape filled="f" id="_x0000_s1026" stroked="f" style="height: 67.35pt; margin-left: 297.15pt; margin-top: 313.65pt; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-width-relative: margin; position: absolute; width: 102.6pt; z-index: 251661312;" type="#_x0000_t202"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
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<tbody>
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<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I was just reading in the paper about a series of break-ins to </span>local business and homeowners. Aside from the
anger and frustration of being violated by having someone break into your home
or business there are steps required to repair the damage and make your home or
business secure. I remember when it happened to me and thought back to the steps
that I learned through trial and error:</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here is a basic checklist of the things
you should do (depending on the nature of the crime):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure
everyone is out of danger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Check
the well-being of anyone else who was involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Call
911.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Administer
first aid if required.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Identify
witnesses, if appropriate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">After
theft or burglary, try not to touch anything at the scene until the police
arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Re-secure
your property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Make
an inventory of what has been damaged or stolen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If
you are a victim of crime abroad, contact the US Embassy or consulate in the
host location, as well as local police.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Contact
your insurer or agent and follow instructions for making a claim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There are numerous other things that
might be appropriate, depending on the advice of the police and your insurer.
They are there to help and advise you, so try to follow their guidance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The US Office for Victims of
Crime (OVC) produces an extremely useful factsheet that covers your rights,
where to get help, and details of state compensation and assistance programs.
You can download it here: <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">http://tinyurl.com/ovc-factsheet</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></w:wrap><br />
<br />Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-53907598194298041042013-03-15T10:51:00.000-07:002013-03-15T10:51:08.917-07:00Do you have a first aid kit?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last night while I was
washing the dishes I cut my finger. I have no idea what I cut it on but it
immediately started to bleed. No problem, I was able to clean the cut and apply
a Band-Aid and yes I drained the water and rewashed the dishes. I keep a small
first aid kit at home and have it stocked with bandages, gauze, tape etc. For years I
never felt that I needed a first aid kit and until we adopted our children and
had a home study I had never kept a kit in the house. I am pretty active and I
am usually bumping into something so the kit has been used often. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you don't have a first aid kit, please
get one. Today</b>, if you can. It could save a life. Plus, they're not
expensive and, if you do it yourself, they're easy to put together. These days,
though, you can buy ready-made kits. Drugstores and online retailers sell them
but you can also buy them from your local American Red Cross Chapter or the Red
Cross Store online, costing from around $15 to $50. The Red Cross also provides
guidance on what you should have in a good first aid kit. Here's their list:</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" id="_x0000_t202" o:spt="202" path="m,l,21600r21600,l21600,xe"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></v:shapetype><v:shape fillcolor="#f2dbdb" id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 267.45pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 71.45pt; margin-top: 9.25pt; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-width-relative: margin; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 272.05pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t202" wrapcoords="-60 -93 -60 21507 21660 21507 21660 -93 -60 -93"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<v:fill color2="fill darken(225)" focus="-50%" method="linear sigma" rotate="t" type="gradient">
<v:textbox style="mso-next-textbox: #_x0000_s1026;">
</v:textbox></v:fill></span></v:shape><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="background-color: transparent; border: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2 absorbent compress dressings
(5 x 9 inches)<o:p></o:p></strong></span><div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>25
adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>5
antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>5
antiseptic wipe packets<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2
packets of aspirin (81 mg each)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
blanket (space blanket)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
breathing barrier (with one-way valve)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
instant cold compress<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2
pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2
hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Scissors<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
roller bandage (3 inches wide)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>1
roller bandage (4 inches wide)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>5
sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>5
sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Oral
thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>2
triangular bandages<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>Tweezers<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>First
aid instruction booklet<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>
</strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong>www.redcross.org<o:p></o:p></strong></span></i></div>
<div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<w:wrap type="tight">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></w:wrap><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In a business, you will need something
more substantial, depending on the number of employees and type of work being
done. There may also be legal requirements at both national and state level.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (osha.gov) will be able to
guide you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
</div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-65704663723193691112013-03-08T09:31:00.001-08:002013-03-08T09:31:58.816-08:00Basic Home Safety Tips Learned the Hard Way!
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Last
night before I went to bed I left some newspapers on the floor near the
bathroom door. I had intended to put them in the recycling and forgot them.
Naturally, during the night when I made my way to the bathroom in the dark I
slipped and fell into the bathroom. Fortunately I wasn’t hurt other than
feeling foolish but this morning that lesson gave me a great idea for a topic
on my insurance blog. Falls are the most common cause of accidents in the home,
a substantial proportion of them serious or even fatal. You can cut the risk of
these and maybe save a life by:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Ensuring carpets
are properly fixed</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
to the floor (use floor-gripper tape for loose rugs on slippery surfaces, and
ensure fitted carpets are fastened down). I have several of these and they are
always sliding around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Removing clutter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, especially in
busy "traffic" areas for instance, my newspapers!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Marking temporary
hazards</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
– like a ladder that people don't expect to encounter – with a piece of
brightly colored cloth and removing it as soon as you're done.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Keeping floors
dry or out of bounds</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">when wet.</b> You can buy specialty
absorbent rugs for particularly dangerous areas like the kitchen, laundry and
bathroom.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Installing
handrails</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
in bathrooms or wherever there are steps (including the yard) – especially
important if you have older folk living with or visiting you. These are in the bathroom where I am staying and while I am perfectly able, I use them frequently.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Repairing and
leveling walkways</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
in the yard. I have one of these where I am staying now and I trip over it
frequently in the dark even though I know its there!<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Installing
low-wattage lighting</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
along driveways and paths that are used at night. Or, use a motion sensor light that turns the light on for you when you approach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Fires
and fumes, which I talked in an earlier blog, are another key area of home
safety. In addition to the measures I recommended then, it's also important to
make sure all rooms are properly ventilated, heating appliances are also
inspected and serviced annually, air ducts and filters are regularly cleaned,
and lint filters on clothes dryers are cleared out after each usage. Blocked
lint filters and dryer vents are a major cause of fumes and fires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Finally,
I want to warn about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">keeping dangerous
stuff out of reach</b>. I'm talking here not only about your medications –
prescription and over-the-counter stuff – and weapons that I talked about
before. There are also <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">other dangers you
may not immediately recognize</b>, like poisonous house plants, cleaning
products and cosmetics and heavy or fragile objects that could cause mayhem if
they fall or are broken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
is especially important if you have young people or pets around your home. You
can get a list of poisons from both the American Association of Poison Control
Centers and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4241617684896400560.post-76873832116824335072013-02-22T10:19:00.000-08:002013-02-22T10:19:03.465-08:00Chris, where have you been?
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Chris, where
have you been? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">For
those of you who I have friendships or have relationships through business or social
media and have tried to contact me over the past several months I apologize for
lost time. I also have not been able to keep up with my blog during that time
and fell behind but now I am back and will begin my regular postings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
sold my interest in McGregor Insurance in Ocean Shores, Washington to my former
partner Mike McGregor and left the agency effective 11/01/2012. It was a very
hard decision to make as I loved Ocean Shores and the North Beach of Grays
Harbor County. I loved serving my clients and felt an acute responsibility for
the protection of their families, assets and business. I also very much
appreciated and enjoyed working with my partner Mike McGregor. You could say
that the lifestyle and career at McGregor were ideal and you would be right!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you know how you are going along in life and have the nagging feeling that you
are going down the wrong path? I had that feeling for some time. I had a
different vision on where I wanted to go with the insurance agency than my
partner and his wife and after discussing with my contemporaries in the
insurance field and hiring a business counselor for advice my wife and I
decided that nothing would change unless I changed. You might draw the
conclusion that this was a difference between right and wrong and that I was
right and my partner was wrong but nothing could be further from the truth. My
partner Mike McGregor was and is to this day an excellent insurance agent, an
honorable man who I trust and admire. He runs an excellent insurance agency and
I know that my former clients are in good hands in his care. In fact, Mike is
still my insurance agent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
we were going through the process and decided to sell my wife Lisa and I
discussed what should we do next? We have lived on the Washington coast in the
same house for 22 years. Our children are grown and we do not have family
locally. What else was out there for us to experience? We decided that if we
were going to sell our share of the business this was also the time for us to
move our household. We discussed what we wanted in a new community and what I
was looking for in the insurance field to continue my career.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
spent the entire month of November researching communities for lifestyle and
their insurance markets that met my professional goals. In the end Lisa and I
had selected specific locations in Washington, Oregon and California where we
felt we could be happy and successful. I then researched the agencies in these communities
and sent out packets with my resume and bona fides. My membership in the
insurance coaching and training group Quantum Club opened a number of doors for
me and I was blessed with 17 interviews within these three states. I traveled
for two weeks in December meeting with agency owners and managers and
discussing my goals and needs. I met some fantastic and charismatic leaders
during my travels and I am richer today for the experience, the contacts and in
some cases friendships that I made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lisa
and I spent Christmas through New Year’s discussing our options and we settled
on a specific region and focused on the opportunities in those communities. We
traveled together in early January and spent a week exploring and meeting with
the insurance agency owners and in the end we were thrilled to join Ted Hamm of
Ted Hamm Insurance of Paso Robles, California. Ted has a wonderful agency, a
great team and is also a Quantum Club member. We share a similar vision for the
future of our industry and our role as advocates for our clients. I am very
excited to have joined Ted effective February 11<sup>th</sup> and now I am
catching up with the transition and making new relationships.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lisa
remains behind in Ocean Shores, Washington for now as we finish a remodel in
our home and then place it on the market for sale this spring. She also has commitments
to her job at a local bank that she wants to see through. Once those commitments
are met and we either sell or rent our home she and my daughter will move to
Paso Robles to join me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
am licensed to place insurance in Washington, Oregon, California and Arizona
and I am looking forward to being of service to my clients in all of these
states. I will share more in time as my family gets settled and I invite anyone
who would like to stay in touch to contact me at my personal email <a href="mailto:chris@fiducia1.com"><span style="color: blue;">chris@fiducia1.com</span></a> .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chris Raders Insurance Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15849252509771991039noreply@blogger.com0