Personal Injury

Posted on by Brad Smith

Unlike accidental events that result in a person suffering a serious injury (called bodily injury) or property that is damaged or destroyed (called property damage), personal injury usually involves one person’s alleged interference with another person’s legal rights. It also applies to incidents that harm another person’s reputation.

Personal Injury commonly includes acts such as the following:

False arrest, detention or imprisonment

Example: A homeowner suspects that her teen daughter’s friend has stolen jewelry while visiting her home. She locks the teen in her bedroom for an hour until the police arrive and it turns out the teen did nothing wrong.

Malicious prosecution

Example: A gentleman accuses his neighbor of stealing a laptop from his home and files charges with the police. After investigating the matter, the police discover that the lap top owner had sold the property and made the accusation because the neighbors had been feuding over an unrelated matter.

Wrongful eviction from, wrongful entry into, or invasion of the right of private occupancy

Landlord? Do you have exposure to wrongful eviction

Example: A boarder comes home from work and finds his room’s door padlocked. The homeowner/landlord did it after the boarder, for the third night in a row, played his CD system too loudly. The boarder is forced to leave the premises that same night.

Oral or written publication of material that slanders or libels a person or organization or disparages a person’s or organization’s goods, products or services

Example: A homeowner is the president of a parent and school organization. She also publishes articles for the organization on her personal website, but is widely followed by members in the parent and school organization. After an argument with another organization officer, the president recounts the incident on her site and includes some crude insults and false items about that person.

Oral or written publication of material that violates a person’s right of privacy

Example: A woman is visiting a friend. During the visit, she overhears her friend’s conversation with her doctor. The next day, the person reveals to others that the friend, a young, single female, is having medical problems due to an unexpected pregnancy.

All such acts are examples of incidents that could result in lawsuits. However, they are also the sort of events that are excluded from coverage by the typical homeowners policy. The major reason for their exclusion is that they are deliberate acts rather than being accidental. One way to secure coverage for personal injury losses is to purchase personal umbrella coverage. It may be worthwhile to discuss your possible need for personal injury coverage with an insurance professional.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015

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Definition: Earthquake Insurance

Posted on by Brad Smith

What is earthquake insurance?

Who needs earthquake insurance? If you don't know whether or not you need earthquake coverage, then take a quick look at the map.
US Earthquake Zones

Earthquake: A term used to reference the movement of two tectonic plates along a fault line. The tectonic plates move past each other at a slow pace building up stress along the way. This continues until finally, the plates slip, releasing enormous amounts of seismic energy. This energy then results in a violent shaking of the ground. This is also referred to as an earthquake. Earthquakes can be the result of both tectonic action or volcanic.

Do I need earthquake insurance? Call TruePoint Insurance. Where can I get Earthquake insurance? It is a policy endorsement that can be added by you insurance agent.
Earthquake Endorsements

Earthquake Insurance: Losses as a result of the movement of the earth are not covered by standard insurance policies. Earthquakes are one of the events that are considered the movement of earth. Most insurance professionals can help you reduce your exposure to earthquakes by adding a special endorsement to your policy.
Earthquake insurance, or more accurately an earthquake endorsement, is a tool that can be used to transfer the risk of a financial loss to buildings. Structures such as homes or commercial buildings can be protected from damages that are a direct result of an earthquake.
In exchange for an annual insurance premium, the insurance company promises to restore the insured to the position that existed immediately before the event(less a deductible). Deductibles for earthquake insurance can be significantly higher than other coverage options. As a result, we advise customers to review the deductible before purchasing an endorsement.
As mentioned, the movement of the earth comes in several forms. Earthquakes, mudslides, and sinkholes are just a few. Earthquake insurance covers earthquakes. It will not cover losses that are a result of other types of movement of earth.
If you would like additional insights call a TruePoint Agent today at (502) 410-5089

Basic Maintenance Tips to Keep Your RV Comfortable

Posted on by admin

Your RV is a passport to freedom and adventure. However, the rigors of the road can take its toll on your vehicle’s exterior, interior, and systems. Use these tips to ensure your RV stays comfortable, no matter how long you’re on the road.

  • Protect your paint job by parking your RV in covered areas as often as possible. A carport or tarp protects your rig from wind, rain, and sun while it’s stationary. These solutions also make it easier to control the internal temperature in your RV so your climate control devices drain less life from your generator.
  • Take your RV to an auto detailer in between long trips. A professional cleaning will remove dirt and stains from your upholstery and interior surfaces. In between stops, use a small hand vac to keep dust and crumbs under control.
  • Pack cleaning supplies before each outing. Include a stain removal product, upholstery brushes, and soft cleaning cloths. These will help you deal with messes before they become built-in stains.
  • Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date. A break-in or minor accident could cause a lot of damage. Having the right policies in place ensure you can get needed repair right away. Talk to the agents at TruePoint Insurance for information on RV policies in the Fisherville KY area.
  • Have your rig thoroughly checked by a professional before longer trips. This includes the electrical and plumbing systems. For fully contained rigs, have the technician access the state of your generator and power distribution equipment.
  • Maintain your water systems with the right chemicals. Black and grey water tanks often need additives to prevent the growth of harmful buildup and ease the flow of discarded water. Talk to your automotive technician for recommended products for your RV.

Before you hit the road, make sure your rig is covered from all ends. An RV policy from TruePoint Insurance is the best way to protect your Fisherville, KY RV. Contact us for a free quote today.

Bobtail Insurance

Posted on by Brad Smith

Most truckers have or think they have Bobtail Insurance. The coverage provides a unique form of commercial auto liability coverage. Owner Operators are leased to Motor Carriers. Leasing with a Motor Carrier requires executing a contract where both parties commit to an ongoing relationship.

As long as the driver is under dispatch, the primary liability coverage will be provided by the Motor Carriers Trucking Liability Policy. This will be the case during the period that the contract is in effect.

Bobtail Insurance provides coverage when the truck is being operated without a trailer attached. Bobtail Insurance Does Not Provide Coverage While Pulling A Trailer. Examples of when your truck would be covered by a Bobtail Policy include:

  • Driving between your final terminal and your home
  • Driving truck to a location for maintenance or repairs
  • Driving back and forth to work

If you are one of the many truckers that pull trailers while not under dispatch, please read on before panicking. There is a good chance that you don’t have Bobtail coverage. Instead, you should have a Non-Trucking Liability Insurance Policy. Also referred to as NTL and as we have seen, confused with Bobtail Insurance, the coverage provides liability protection to owner/operators while not under dispatch.

Deadheading, or pulling an empty trailer adds a significant amount of risk. Experienced truck drivers are aware of this added risk and make adjustments. They must be aware of the impact wind will have on an empty trailer. They must also alter their approach to braking with systems which are designed to be effective while under a load.

The biggest difference between Bobtail and Non-Trucking Liability is the trailer. Bobtail specifically excludes all liability coverage while a trailer is attached. A Non-Trucking Liability Policy will provide coverage while hauling a trailer if the driver is not dispatched. The bottom line is that NTL provides coverage while Bobtailing or Deadheading.

If you still unclear and would like additional input, feel free to give us a call at (502) 410-5089.

Deadhead: What is Deadhead?

Posted on by Brad Smith
Deadheading truck exposure drivers, vehicle sharing the road with then and increase companies to as much as 2 1/2 times greater risk that a semi tractor trailer under load.
Deadheading

Delivering a load and picking a new one up at the same locations isn’t counted on by most truckers. Sometimes they drive hours to pick up cargo for the next leg of their trip. During this leg of the journey, the trucker is hauling an empty trailer, which is referred to as deadhead, or deadheading.

There is not much that is good, to say about deadheading. It is an unfortunate part of the job.

Drivers are exposed to increased risk. A significant increase in risk. Many driver training programs fail to prepare students for deadhead driving. The weight of loaded trailers creates a stabilizing force. The deadhead or empty trailer is significantly lighter, which can quickly become a sail if exposed to high winds. The tractor-trailer is a combined system, which was not designed to be operated without weight on the trailer. While deadheading braking systems do not operate as designed. During a deadhead leg, experienced drivers compensate in various ways.

Related Term: Bobtail references the operation of the tractor only.

What is Contractors Errors & Omissions Insurance

Posted on by Brad Smith
Are you an artisan contractor that doesn't have Contractors E&O insurance? You may have gaps in your coverage.
How bad are the gaps in your insurance?

The Commercial General Liability policy leaves several liability exposures for contractors.  The General Liability policy doesn’t cover faulty work due to negligence, or to damages to the work of the contractor.   

Contractors E&O has been already, but until recently, only limited options existed.  Contractors now have access to reasonably priced insurance that closes some very significant gaps.

Snapshot: Insurance for Plumbers

Posted on by Brad Smith
We repair what your husband fixed! #Plumbers Lives Matter

Insurance is a critical part of any small business.  It protects customers, employees and your business when things go awry.  Plumbers and other Artisan Contractors use insurance.  There are multiple forms of Liability insurance.  They can protect employees, clients or others that come in contact with your efforts.   Contractors that own buildings or business personal property can utilize Commercial Property Insurance.   Several construction-related trades, including plumbers, are subject to state licensing requirements.  Part of the licensing process is to provide proof of insurance.

Commercial Insurance Snapshot:

Plumbing Contractors

Most contractors, including plumbers, have Commercial General Liability policies. The policy which is often referred to as CGL or GL protects when your actions cause bodily injury or property damage to another.  These claims are normally settled by financial restitution to the damaged party.  However, when necessary the insurance company may provide legal defense.

In order to be licensed as a plumber in Kentucky you will need to provide proof of insurance.
Plumbers need insurance.

Property insurance is another common form of coverage. This would be a recommended coverage for plumbers that own a commercial building.   The Commercial Property Policy will also provide protection for business personal property. Covered items

Include office furniture, equipment, machinery, inventories, and more.

Business Income insurance protects you and your business.  Following an insured property loss, the coverage provides financial restitution to your business.  A portion of  the  lost income will be covered during the term defined by the policy. 

The policies above may come as standalone policies.  But most small businesses can package the coverages with significant savings. The packaged policy is referred to as a Business Owners Policy or BOP.

Do you have Plumbers Errors and Omission Insurance? We highly suggest that you take a few minutes to consider it!
Plumbers need Contractors E&O Insurance

Other coverages used by plumbers include:

• Commercial auto insurance: Business Vehicles

• Inland marine insurance: Property that moves from one job site to next

• Installation floater insurance: Installed, Fabricated or Erected

• Workers compensation: Covers employees’ medical costs and lost wages

Contractors E&O, it’s now more available, but still underused

Construction trades need to consider Contractors E&O. It fills a lot of gaps with the largest being insurance for negligence of the insured.
Are you insured for Negligence?

Contractors Errors & Omissions insurance (Contractors E&O) is a form of liability coverage. The coverages can be crucial to many contractors, including plumbers. It is designed to protect from potential liability exposures arising from alleged negligence.

It covers the work of the insured, yours, which is something that would not be covered by the CGL policy, is now covered.

Why haven’t I heard of Contractor’s E&O before now?

Errors and omission coverage has been around for a long time. However, they have focused on the service sector and health care businesses.  Real estate agents, and insurance agencies are examples of professional liability insurance users.

Another example that most have heard of is Medical Malpractice.

What is contractors E&O? It is somewhat akin to Medical Malpractice. It covers negligence and work of the insured..
Medical Malpractice Insurance

 It is professional liability insurance for Doctors, Hospital, and other medical sectors.

Professional liability insurance has been around awhile.   it has not been widely available to small contractors. That’s due to the relatively low number of insurance companies willing to write the exposures. 

Contractors E&O insurance has major gaps. The same is true regards General Liability. Put the two together and watch the gaps disappear.

With a mature market, there is no longer an excuse for retaining negligence related risk.   Quality coverage at affordable premiums makes transferring the risk a relatively simple decision. Now plumbers, electricians, and several other specialty contractors can better manager their Liability exposures.

Why do small contractors need Errors & Omissions coverage?

What will you do if your insurance agent suggests Contractors Errors & Omissions coverage?  I would suggest that you listen. Before looking for excuses and justifications for not buying, listen!  If you do, there is a very good chance that you will be thanking your agent when you’re done.

Adding Contractors E&O fills a large number of gaps in your General Liability policy.  This alone makes the E&O attractive.  But don’t forget, we live in a litigious world.  We are all one bad day from having your world turned upside by a customer lawsuit.

Workers Compensation

Posted on by Brad Smith
Insurance term, definition. Workers Compensation, Workers Comp

What is Workers Compensation Insurance?

American Business-Owners acknowledge the importance of fair dealing with their employees. The safety net they need is best found by having a Workers Compensation Policy in place.
Workplace Injuries

Workers Comp is a form of insurance designed to assure that resources will be in place to assist injured workers. The injured employee receives replacement wages and medical benefits. The insurance provides protection for employment-related injuries.

Premiums paid for Workers Compensation insurance are not made by the employee. The employer bars 100% of the cost of Work Comp coverage. While there is no financial cost for employees, the cost is associated with their ability to sue.

Kentucky Personal Auto Insurance Insights

Posted on by Brad Smith
What is Personal Auto insurance? Is it the same as Car Insurance? Read on and learn more about Kentucky car insurance.

What’s your biggest risk

I remember when auto insurance came in two flavors, state-mandated liability insurance or full coverage car insurance.  Of which the latter, I am told, no longer exist.

Teen drivers. When your children start driving two thing happen. Fully understanding one is critical. First, your auto insurance is going to skyrocket. The critical event is your risk you expose your kids to when you hand them the keys. TruePoint can help, (502) 410-5089
25% of accidents due to texting and driving

Changes in the law, insurance options, and technology have significantly altered how we buy car insurance.  But the combined impact of these factors pales in comparison to the litigious state of America. 

It seems every time you turn around, another legal exposure pops up.  In the US, cars are the leading cause of injuries.  With that said, it is easy to comprehend that for individuals in Kentucky, the vast majority of our exposure comes from our cars.    

Kentucky car liability insurance seems to be more critical than ever before.   And it’s not going away anytime soon.  In the meantime, there are only a few things we can do to reduce our risk.  The biggest impact will come by having a better understanding of insurance and how consumers can best acquire car insurance in Kentucky

Kentucky Auto Insurance Law

Most Car Accidents: It’s the other dude’s fault

While the requirements vary from one state to the next, every state requires car owners to have auto liability coverage.    A handful of states, including Kentucky are No-Fault states.  As a No-Fault auto insurance state, auto owners in Kentucky must approach risk management differently than many of their neighbors.  To start, Kentuckians must deal with Personal Injury Protection or PIP.  Click here for more information on Kentucky’s No-Fault Insurance Program.

Kentucky Minimum Auto Liability Insurance Limits (Required Coverage)

Like other states, Kentucky has mandatory minimum auto liability limits, with minimum limits for Bodily Injury and Property Damage.  In 2018 Kentucky raised the requirement for auto liability insurance.  Additional information can be found at:

kentucky-car-insurance-state-auto-insurance-requirements/

Kentucky Base Car Insurance Coverage

Base auto insurance is composed of the mandatory liability coverages above and the following three optional coverages.

•    Collision:            The result of a vehicle colliding with a car or other object

•    Comprehensive:        Other than collision

•    Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist: pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or has insufficient insurance limits.

For additional information related to Kentucky required and base auto coverage.

Optional Kentucky Car Insurance Coverage

Some of the coverages below may be beneficial to you.  Others may eliminate significant gaps in your current insurance policy.  This list intends to generate discussions.  These coverages vary among insurance companies.  Make sure to understand the coverages and limits

•    Road Side Assistance

•    Rental Car

•    Rental Car Gap Coverage:       

•    Additional Expense

•    Loan Gap/ Lease Gap

•    New Car Replacement

•    Reduction in Value

•    Identity Theft

•    Re-Keying

•    Cell Phone Coverage:           

•    Non-Owned Trailers

•    Trip Interruption Coverage

•     …and more

TruePoint Auto Insurance Insights

Your insurance company, Mother Nature, and you; each have an impact on your insurance premium.   But before you can have an impact on your car insurance premium, it’s vital that you understand the factors you need to address.

Stop leaving money on the table

Insurance companies are perpetually reconsidering the nature of every risk that they insure.   Accounts flagged as high risk will experience more rapid premium increases and in some cases, may be non-renewed. 

Clients deemed conservative or lower risk experience the opposite as insurance companies make every effort to retain that business.  If you seriously want to stop leaving money on the table, then this is important to you.  The first step is to understand the characteristics of a low-risk account, then mimic them. 

Factors that influence auto insurance premiums

Life Happens, and when it does it can Impact Auto Premiums

•    Age:        Younger and older drivers pay more for car insurance

•    Household:     More drivers in the home can lower rates

•    Location:    State, city, zip.  Each impact premiums

•    Education:    Education is a factor in some states (Prohibited Practice in Kentucky)

•    Financial:    Insurance Score, which includes Credit Score, is a significant component

•    Vehicle:        The type of vehicle, sports cars may lead to a higher premium, vehicles with a high GVW will!

•    Tickets:        DUI’s & Reckless Driving create substantial problems, but minor violations add up

•    Accidents    Impact varies due to cause, severity, past driving record, and other factors 

#Your Actions Matter    Protect everyone in your home, and save money on your auto insurance

•    For insurance companies, Conservative is King!  Avoid anything that appears radical or aggressive.  Think Mr. Rogers.  Gen X, think Barney.

•    Check tire pressure, tread and sidewalls regularly

•    Confirm that headlights work on both dim and bright

•    Regularly check taillights, brake lights and turn signals

•    Encourage drivers education and safety for all household members

•    Zero Tolerance for Distracted Driving

Stop leaving money on the table    Take advantage of discounts offered by Insurance Companies

•    There are several ways to reduce the cost of auto insurance.  Program availability and savings vary based on Insurer.

•    Some of the most significant discounts are available to those that can qualify for any of the following: Safe Driver, Multi-Policy, Continuous Insurance, and Good Payer discounts

•    Don’t worry if you didn’t qualify for any of the previous programs. There are still a lot of ways to save.  Savings associated with this group range from the high single digits to low double digits.    Early Quote, Multi-Car, Driver Training, Good Student, and Paid in Full Discounts

•    New Car, Home Ownership, Student at School, and Hybrid Vehicle Discounts:

These are a few of the more commonly offered discounts

Principle of Indemnity

Posted on by Brad Smith
Insurance term, definition. The principle of indemnity is an insurance term. What is meant by insurance principle of indemnity
principle of indemnity states that the insured is returned to condition just prior to loss
The Principle of Indemnity

To understand insurance one must first grasp the principle of indemnity.  The theory is applied to insured losses and seeks to provide fair compensation.  Fair compensation to parties, the insured and the insurance company is required.  Resolving most losses is unambiguous.  Others test the service skills of the insurance agency and require both the insurance company and the insured to commit to the principle of indemnity.

A cornerstone for insurance, the principle of indemnity requires that an insured may not be compensated more than there economic loss.  The insured cannot profit from a loss.  If losses became a way for policyholders to generate profits, then insurance companies would become subject to adverse selection.  This in the quickly cause insurance premiums for all property and casualty policies to rise.