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I promise to never complain about doing laundry again!
Handling our many household chores is all about convenience. For many decades, the incredible washer and dryer power duo have made it possible for us to enjoy easy access to clean, ready-to-wear wardrobes. However, these appliances have a dark side that can result in serious loss, particularly dryers.
The United States Fire
Administration (USFA), a federal agency that collects and shares data on
fire-related losses, reminds us that dryers, while extremely handy, can also be
dangerous. In a recent agency report, fires caused by clothes dryers result in
losses of $35 million per year, nationwide. Let’s repeat that – $35 million in
dryer-related losses each and every year.
Preventing a home fire
According to the report,
such losses occur more frequently in cooler weather, occurs mostly in
residences and, for a bit of good news, most fires are limited to the dryer
itself. However, such fires can and do easily spread to other parts of an
apartment or home.
More than a third of
dryer fire losses are created by insufficient dryer maintenance and improper
use. Therefore, dryers, as a source of loss, are quite controllable by
homeowners. Here are some suggestions to help minimize dryer fires:
Properly and regularly clean out lint traps – that should include vacuuming out the area housing the lint trap too
Avoid putting items in a dryer which are more prone to igniting such as items containing foam (lined drapes, athletic shoes, bathroom rugs)
Remove lint that accumulates underneath and in areas outside of the dryer which is also sources of fire
Regularly clean out dryer vents. A thorough job is necessary to keep vents free of accumulated lint and, even more serious, bird or rodent nests
Do not overload dryers since fires are more likely due to restricted airflow and higher heat build-up
Make sure the dryer vent pipe is properly installed and is free of kinks (again, to avoid airflow restriction and heat build-up
Consider using a dryer that has a moisture sensor which can end dryer cycles with less of a heat build-up that is permitted by dryers that use thermostats
These simple few safety
steps are all that it takes to help avoid a potentially serious fire. Be clean,
be dry……and be smart!
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015
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rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in
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is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus,
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Head Coach: Mike Marksbury Location: Taylorsville, KY
2018 Record: 4-6
EnteFriday Night Football, it’s an American Thing!
For the last eight years passion, knowledge, commitment, and compassion have been on display on Friday nights. Anything less would have ended in failure. That’s why in 2011 when Mike Marksbury walked onto the field, the fans welcomed a new coach. Little did they know that this man would become the cornerstone of the Spencer County Football program.
The last couple of years have been tough for the Bears. But even the casual observer can see that those days are behind this punch. While still young, this sleuth of Bears has it all. Talent, drive, and heart. The bottom line is that even though they are still learning, Spencer County has a group of real Football Players coached by Real Coaches.
Home field advantage his huge in any sports, however, it seems that it means the most for football and basketball. The area experienced extremely wet weather throughout the spring and early summer. As a result, improvements to Spencer County facilities are very far behind schedule. So for the 2019 season, the Bears will be nomads, a team with no home. Another challenge that will be overcome by this “never says quit” group.
The Bearcats recent success, including going 10-1 in 2018, hasn’t gone unnoticed. 2019 is a redistricting year for Kentucky High School Football. Anderson’s relative enrollment trends have dropped the Bearcats from 5 to 4A.
It would seem logical that by dropping down a class would be a positive for Anderson County. Apparently, the folks at Max Preps agree as their Pre-season Rankings have the Bearcats ranked #8 in 4A, and #34 statewide.
Redistricting occurs every four years in Kentucky. It’s the States mechanism aimed to create fair Sports competition between Kentucky high schools. A Fair and Balanced approach aimed at leveling the playing field. But does it?
Following the redistricting, Anderson County finds itself in Class 4A District 5. A district that includes:
Lexington Catholic….Perennial Powerhouse 2 x State Champs (’05, ’07) Runner-up (’15) Ranked #6 Preseason Kentucky 4A, # 31 Kentucky Overall
Bourbon County State Champs (’97)
Anderson County Runner-up (’11)
WOW! Class 4A has 38 teams scattered over 8 Districts. In a Fair and Balanced World, on average each District would have 1.25 teams in the top 10. District 5 has 3, the #1, 6, and 7th ranked teams
In the last 22 years, the four combined have one 11 State Championships and pay in 14 Finals. Did someone say something about Fair and Balanced?
We’re insuring Kentucky, just not on Friday Nights.
If protecting one’s home isn’t complicated
enough, it appears that the soft, soothing glow of a candle’s flame may obscure
some dark problems. Specifically, the use of candles may result in:
reducing the internal air quality of your home
increasing the chance of fire losses
damages by particulate deposits on interior and exterior walls, carpets, furniture, appliances, window treatments, floors, and other surfaces
Further, the use of candles may
also contribute to health problems from inhaling particulate matter or
ingesting harmful chemicals.
Defining the Candle Problem
Today’s candles can be more of a hazard than an aid.
Actually, there are a number of
problems and they have been accentuated by a change in the market for candles.
The last few years have seen an explosive growth in the popularity of candles.
They are increasingly used for their traditional, decorative purpose, but the
true surge in use has been due to their being marketed as scented candles for
deodorizing and for a health-related purpose called aromatherapy.
In both of the above,
sales-boosting instances, candle-makers have had to offer products with more intense
scents. This is accomplished by adding scented oils into their wax mixture. The
increased oil content causes candles to burn improperly and generates a
substantially higher level of soot.
A Sooty Situation
It looks like soot, which is a
carbon residue produced by burning, can create a large, expensive problem.
Since soot is particulate matter that can be carried through the air, it can
seriously stain walls, carpets, and personal property. Studies show that
electronic and plastic components are also vulnerable to soot damage.
Unfortunately, soot produced by poorly burning candles bonds very strongly,
making it difficult to impossible to clean. Further, soot may contaminate a
home’s heating system, including ductwork. The soot can then be spread
throughout a home, creating widespread damage that is difficult to repair.
Property stained by soot may have to be cleaned by professionals and, often,
the property has to be replaced.
Troublesome candle ingredients
Do you know what’s in your candles?
You may have assumed that the only materials found in candles were the wick and some type of wax. Surprise! Here’s a list of ingredients which may either be found in a candle or maybe created during combustion:
Another surprise is that the candle-making industry is not required to tell consumers about the ingredients used in their products, including when a wick is used which contains a lead core.
Poor candle design or practices
Are candles with high flames or a lot of soot safe?
Besides the use of oils and
chemicals, candle-makers sometimes create problems because they commit other
mistakes. Candles may burn improperly (causing soot) because a candle’s wick
may be off-center or there may not be a proper amount of air in the candle
mixture. A candle may have a higher likelihood of causing a fire loss due to:
an improper candle mixture which results in intense heat or high
flames
improper holders (glass that shatters or spills flammable liquid)
wood holders that catch fire
flammable items imbedded in the candle mixture such as potpourri
Coverage Under
a Homeowner Policy?
Are you covered for losses started by candles?
Damage to a home or personal
property due to soot can create serious problems for both an insurer and a
homeowner. Losses involving soot can create thousands of dollars in damages.
Depending upon the details surrounding a loss and the wording of the particular
homeowner policy, coverage for the damage may not be available. Why? Because the source of loss might be considered the result of
pollution which may be excluded. Another reason for rejecting a claim
may be an assumption that the damage was gradual instead of sudden, so it
wouldn’t be considered accidental and sudden damage. A claim could even be
affected by the knowledge of the insured. For instance, even if the policy
covers soot-related losses, a claim could be denied if a homeowner knew that
the type of candle they used could cause damages.
Since the damage is caused by
matter that is invisible to the naked eye, it could be difficult to prove that
the loss was sudden. Tests can be used to determine the cause of stained or
discolored property, but the testing can be expensive and the cost may have to
be handled by the homeowner.
What To
Do?
It’s all up to you. You might wish
to ask more questions about the type of candles you use or curtail your use.
You can also discuss whether coverage is available under your homeowner policy
with an insurance professional. If you do use candles frequently, you may also
want to check your home thoroughly for any stains or discoloration, including
any contamination of your heating system.
COPYRIGHT:
Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2016
All
rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in
any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory,
is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus,
Inc.
This article briefly discusses how a homeowner policy responds to
coverage for exchange students. Please be sure to read the companion article,
“Exchange Students – Automobile Coverage.”
You have an Exchange Student, Now What?
Note: Check
with your exchange student program coordinator to see what kinds of coverage
are automatically provided for the child. But don’t take anyone’s word; get
copies of documents that prove the coverage situation.
An exchange student in your care who is younger than 21 years is automatically insured under a homeowners policy, treated as if the child were a relative. An exchange student’s property is covered while located at or away from your home. Off-premises coverage is normally limited to 10% of your policy’s Personal Property limit, subject to a minimum of $1,000. On-premises, the policy’s full content limit is available. If your homeowner’s policy had a $70,000 limit for Personal Property, up to $7,000 would be available to handle damage or loss to an exchange student’s property while it’s away from your home, say while at a summer camp. Liability coverage that applies to your family also applies for damage and bodily injury caused by an exchange student who is younger than 21 years of age.
how to prepare for an exchange student.
If the exchange student is older than age 21, then the policy treats the student as a guest. A policy owner can volunteer to extend his insurance coverage to include a guest’s property while at your residence premises or even while you and the guest are at some other location. However, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether an older exchange student is a guest or a tenant – someone who is paying you a reasonable rent for staying in your home.
Hosting an exchange student creates questions you should discuss
with an insurance professional who can help make sure your coverage needs are
met.
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017
All rights reserved. Production or distribution,
whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter
what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written
consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.
Is Roofers Insurance expensive? Top tips for saving.
How
much do Roofers pay for insurance?
A lot!
Even compared to other high-risk occupations, their insurance seems high. Workers Comp rates for roofers can be as much as eight times that of Fire Fighters. They also have higher General Liability rates than other contractors.
The steeper the workplace the steeper the premium. Ask a Roofer!
Why
is insurance so expensive for roofers?
If you own a roofing business, then you know that roofing is a precarious business. Roofing is reported by many to be one of the five most dangerous occupations. As a result, insurance companies pay out more and higher claims. To offset the high losses, carriers must charge risky occupations higher premiums.
Gravity
or Gravity
Why is roofing so risky? The term “What goes up, must come down,” maybe the best answer to that question. Enhancing roofer safety starts with identifying how gravity increases risk. The following are a few of the more difficult issues to overcome:
Roofing is a Risky Business
·
Roofers perform a labor-intensive job in unusual work-spaces
·
A floor that has a 25 to 40 Degree slope, and even steeper
·
Working as much as 80 feet off the ground
·
Falling items can accelerate to a speed of 25 to 30 MPH.
Gravity is also defined as something extreme or seriousness. The Gravity of insuring roofers lies with their work-space.
Roofing businesses attempting to reduce the cost of insurance need a plan. The best place to start is with better risk management. The following areas provide a good starting point:
·
Roofers pose a threat to non-related individuals on the job site at the same
time.
·
Regardless of weight, falling objects can lead to serious, even
life-threatening injuries.
·
Potential for increased frequency and magnitude of liability and Work Comp
claims.
Is
it possible to reduce the cost of roofers insurance?
Yes, it is, and this post aims to point you in that direction. If you think that you can’t save money on insurance for your own roofing business, your wrong. First of all, there are a handful of insurance companies that do a better job with the industry. As a result, they often have lower premiums that their competitors. Actions on your part can also have a substantial impact. Risk Management offers another route for roofers to save on insurance. Taking an active role in the process will eliminate or reduce certain risk. The long term impact should reduce insurance claims. There is also a positive impact on the roofing business via lower-cost insurance.
The nature of the industry demands attention to detail. Ongoing risk awareness is critical. Business owners should leverage this knowledge into constantly improving safety protocols. Failure to do so will increase the potential for injuries and property damage. As a result, there will also be upward pressure on your insurance premiums. Poor Risk Management is negative for any business. But for industries considered to be high-risk, like roofers, the impact is even worse.
Insurance
is only one part of risk management
Five
primary strategies which Individuals and Business use to manage risk:
·
Risk Avoidance More attractive than practical, this effort attempts to
eliminate risk.
· Risk Transfer Insurance: Insurer indemnifies consumer in exchange for a premium.
· Risk Reduction Limiting risk by altering
processes, procedures, or equipment.
· Risk Retention Consumer retains all or a
portion of the risk.
· Merged Strategies Combining two or more of
the above.
Buying high deductible insurance combines risk transfer and risk retention.
Insuring everything isn’t an option for most. Even for those that can, it isn’t the most optimal solution. It is often more cost-effective to manage risk using one of the other risk management strategies. One example of this has been a dilemma that roofers have been faced with.
In
recent years, Kentucky Roofer’s insurance claims have been higher than
expected. The weather played a role but in this case, discrepancies go beyond
the actions of Mother Nature.
The
culprit: Nail Guns!
As roofers have transitioned from hammers to nail guns, problems soon followed. Shingles were blown off shortly after new roofs were installed. Often under fairly modest wind conditions. A growing stream of adverse reports followed. With product lives nowhere close to advertised, the problem had to be found. In the end, the finger of blame was pointed at roofers. Specifically, those using nail guns.
Problems with nail guns were soon seriously scrutinized by everyone. From Insurance companies to Angie’s List. The issues were simple. Should roofers use nail guns? If so, then what could roofers do to reduce losses?
There is little doubt that there was a strong preference for the use of nail guns. At least from the vantage point of roofers. There has also been awareness of the losses. Especially by those in the insurance industry and dissatisfied homeowners. What would be done if the rising loss trend could not be turned? If not and if roofers continued using guns, would insurance costs rise for roofers?
How
much would insurance premiums go up for roofers?
The answer. The roofing industry would soon see tremendous rate increases for General Liability Insurance.
Insuring the risk associated with the use of nail guns was not an optimal solution. To continue using them, the industry had to rein in claims associated with nail guns.
The Answer, a Risk Management Process
Risk
Management Process
1.
Research and Identify Risk
2.
Risk Analysis and Evaluation
3.
Risk Remediation
4. Ongoing Monitoring
Nail missed shingle
The
risk identification and analysis indicated the following issues:
•
Proper nail gun pressure-DO NOT tear through the shingle
•
Nails must be driven through the tar line.
•
Nail flush to the shingle
•
Adjustments to equipment settings for inter-day changes in the ambient air
temperature.
•
Experience is always important. We become more discerning when insuring roofers
using nail guns.
Risk
Reductions, a Path to Reducing the Cost of Insurance
Incorporating the Risk Management Process leads to a positive outcome. It created a path for the continued use of roofing nail guns. Raising awareness of the associated problems, roofers could implement effective new work processes. These changes would put the industry on a path to significantly reduced claims.
With shingles under control, customer satisfaction should notably improve. Better roofing jobs will also get the attention of the insurance industry. With fewer claims, it’s fair to assume that losses are declining. In a vacuum, reducing losses should put downward pressure on insurance premiums.
We started this winding path with roofers trying to use roofing nail guns. Roofers using nail guns were aimed at increasing efficiencies and reducing cost. A noble goal. A goal achieved by understanding that insurance isn’t the only tool for managing risk. An achievement delivered when industry partnered with insurance to create a common goal. An achievement born by the willingness to reduce risk has improved an industry. Roofers and insurance working together have increased efficiencies and cost savings a reality.
When you get that travel itch, the first step is to decide on where you want to venture to, whether that means going to one or multiple areas. Before you actually go on your trip, you must get your motorhome ready for your travels. At TruePoint Insurance, serving Fisherville, KS, and the surrounding region, we have a few simple tips to keep you safe and having fun.
Update Your Insurance Policy
Before you head out on the road, make sure you update your insurance policy. You would hate to get into an accident and get a fine for not having insurance in addition to the expense of paying for the other party’s property as well as yours.
Check Your Tires
One important step of ensuring your motorhome is roadworthy is to assess the pressure if the tires. You also want to check in the treads for cracks. Since tires vary from one another, if you’re unsure of how much pressure you should put in your tires, you should read your owner’s manual.
Generator Evaluation
Sometimes, generators don’t start as well if they’ve been sitting for a prolonged period of time due to fuel not running through the lines. You want to prime your generator. If you don’t have a primer, crank it for about 15 seconds and cycle it to make sure the generator runs. Next, you should run the pump. Generally, you only need to for about 20 seconds.
8. Generator:
To get your generator ready, you will need to start it and also check certain functions on it. Getting your generator started can be tricky. Especially if your generator sat for an extended period of time. The lack of fuel in the lines is usually the reason why your generator won’t start. If you have a prime feature, prime your generator until your indicator light turns on for the fuel pump. Run the pump for about 20 seconds to deliver fuel to the carburetor – the generator should start much quicker. If you do not have a prime feature on your generator, you will have to crank it until it starts. Let the starter rest to cool after about 15 seconds of cranking. Cycle the starter until it runs. Check the oil levels and filter also.
Learn more about getting your motorhome ready from TruePoint Insurance, serving Fisherville, KY, and the general vicinity, by visiting our website.
As a lucky owner of a
timeshare arrangement, you may have a special coverage need. While insurance is
readily available for individually owned seasonal or secondary residences,
buildings, vacant land, or personal property; a timeshare arrangement may not
be handled by standard homeowner coverage forms. Coverage gaps may exist
because typical timeshare arrangements involve:
real property with multiple owners
living units that are often furnished with personal property that may be jointly or severally owned
living units which are occupied by several individuals or families who have control of all of the property during their time of occupancy
special agreements or stipulations that govern the property’s use.
Here are some steps to
prepare for a discussion of your coverage situation:
Do you need insurance for a Timeshare?
1.
Collect all of your timeshare-related paperwork, especially the contract that
describes your ownership interest and obligations in the timeshare property.
2.
Be open to securing more than one policy to cover the jointly owned property,
any personal property that’s located at the residence, the joint liability
exposure and any special assessments or liability assumptions agreed to under
any contract.
3.
Be reasonable about coordinating coverage needs among the timeshare’s other
owners. Doing so will help make certain that all needs as met at the time
coverage is initially purchased and later, should coverage circumstances
change.
4.
Be flexible. Proper coverage may have to be provided by a specially modified
personal insurance contract or even some form of commercial coverage may be
necessary.
Since coverage needs can
vary substantially from one arrangement to the next. It is important that you
discuss your current coverage needs with a qualified agent. Don’t leave the
meeting with any unanswered questions. Ask that any points be fully explained
to you in order to make sure that you’re protected adequately and affordably.
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2016
All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole
or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state
or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance
Publishing Plus, Inc.
It’s quite likely that you face many demands…a job, family, hobbies, volunteer work, children’s school, and recreational obligations. Those items don’t cover chores, such as the lawn and garden, house cleaning, repairs and on and on. Like many of your peers, you might find that you just don’t have the time to get all of it done. Also, like many of your friends and neighbors, you may be “outsourcing” some of your responsibilities. Increasingly, people are hiring others to either assist or to take over duties such as:
child-rearing
gardening
decorating
housecleaning
laundry
grocery shopping
personal errands
child-transport
minor home repairs
lawn maintenance
meal preparation
exercise
While such help used to fall under the auspices of butlers, maids, and nannies, today, individual specialists are providing similar services on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Personal Services and
Personal Liability
Many service providers have insurance
When personal services
are provided by employees of a commercial business, such as a limousine
service, laundry service or a lawn care company, there’s generally no need to
worry about being held liable for injury to another person or for damage to
their property.
Example: The Burlies never had time to take care of their
lawn. As their grass grew thinner and the weeds spread, Mr. Burlie decided to
sign-up for the “Green Thumb” package from Lucy’s Lawn Services. One
afternoon, a Lucky Lawn specialist arrived at the Burlie’s home, unraveled a
hose and began to spray weed killer. A few minutes later, Stevie, who lived
several homes away from the Burlies, came rushing by on his skates.
Stevie didn’t see the hose until it tangled his wheels and sent him
headlong onto the cement sidewalk. In this instance, Lucky’s Lawn Services
would be responsible for the injuries.
However, as individuals
are hired by Joe and Jane America to perform personal services, the
responsibility for injuring other people or damaging the property of others may
begin to fall upon Joe and Jane. In these cases, will Joe and Jane have any
help in paying for damages or injuries?
Homeowners Insurance to
the Rescue
Homeowner’s Insurance
A person who employs the services of another may be held legally liable should the “employee” cause an accident. Can the average person who is guilty of nothing more than trying to make their lives a little less hectic depend upon their homeowner’s insurance for protection? Well, coverage depends upon the details surrounding an event. Generally, a homeowners policy will exclude coverage for losses that are related to the covered person’s (insured’s) business or when other coverage, such as workers compensation or disability insurance, should apply to the loss.
Handyman
Example: Molly Kelp really likes her neighbors’ son,
Peter, who is home from college. Molly knows that Peter is struggling for money
to keep attending school, so she occasionally hires him to do jobs around her
home and yard. One day, she asks him to trim the branches of a tree that is in
the front of her home. The branches are low enough to disturb traffic in the
street. Peter jumps down from the ladder he’s using for the job at the same
time that a car is passing by. The ladder tips over and crumples car’s hood as
well as smashes out the windshield. The driver slams on his brakes and is
severely cut-up in the process. In this case, Molly’s homeowner policy may
apply to the damage and injury caused by Peter. Why? Because the work was
strictly related to maintenance of Molly’s residence and premises. If Peter
caused an accident while carrying a ladder to paint Molly’s law office which is
housed in a converted bedroom of Molly’s home, the loss would be excluded from
her policy.
Do Your
“Homework” On Personal Services
If you’re not sure about
what happens when a person you hire causes a loss, you need to do your
homework. Discuss the details with an insurance professional and bring a copy
of your insurance policy. Between the two of you, you should be able to make
sure that your needs are covered.
COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015
All
rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in
any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory,
is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus,
Inc.
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