Insurance Incorporated

Named perils are events that a homeowners insurance policy specifies as covered, such as, lightning, fire, hail or windstorm, just to name a few. Depending on what type of policy you have, there are open peril or named peril homeowner policies. Named perils, you specifically name which perils your homeowners insurance will cover, on the other hand, open peril policies have broader coverage.

While a HO-3 policy is a much more comprehensive policy, the HO-2 policy covers 16 named perils:

1. Lightning or fire
2. Hail or windstorm
3. Damage caused by aircraft
4. Explosions
5. Riots or civil disturbances
6. Smoke damage
7. Damage caused by vehicles
8. Theft
9. Vandalism
10. Falling objects
11. Volcanic eruption
12. Damage from the weight of snow, ice, or sleet
13. Water damage from plumbing, heating, or air conditioning overflow
14. Water heater cracking, tearing, and burning
15. Damage from electrical current
16. Pipe freezing

Keep in mind, flood and earthquake are excluded from any homeowners insurance policy. They are their own seperate policies!

There’s been an on-going debate as who is the better driver. Is it men? Or is it women? Well, according to a national drivers test that was organized by GMAC Insurance, it was determined that men do.

According to the 7th Annual GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, men had a test score that was slightly higher than 80%. That is significantly higher than females, who averaged just above 74%. What is more telling is that 27.2% of the women who took the test, failed. Compare that to the 13.6% of men who failed the National Drivers Test and we get a real sense of who knows the rules of the road better when it comes to men vs. women.

Men scored higher than women on a multiple choice test. That being said, it doesn’t really relate to the reality of driving on the road. To really be able to see who is the better driver, each man and woman would have to individually drive and be tested on their reaction, judgement, errors, etc.

Visit www.gmacinsurance.com and click on the National Drivers Test button to take the test and see how you size up when it comes to knowing the rules of the road.

Whether men are better or women are better, one thing is for sure that we all want to make sure we have the right auto insurance in place. The better driver would have the right protection in place.

Are you a LA Dodger fan? Are you a licensed California driver over the age of 21? Until June 30, 2011, Mercury Insurance has a promotion for those who complete a quote for auto insurance on www.mercuryinsurance.com to receive a redeemable voucher for two tickets to a LA Dodgers game!

Quotes must be completed by 11:59 p.m. June 30, 2011, to receive a voucher redeemable for your complimentary Dodger tickets

According to the 2009 FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey, 71% of American companies endanger their financial stability by not having insurance that will cover Internet liability.

Would you ever jump into a pool filled with sharks without the proper equipment or protection and bait attached to the side of your hip? Of course not! That is crazy, but essentially, that is what you are doing when your business is on the world wide web and you don’t have the proper protection in place. Think of the sharks as the individuals or groups that would be responsible for theft, extortion, defamation, and/or slander on behalf of your company that could be disasterous on your business. Think of the bait as your business’s website content, which is prone to intellectual property laws. These Internet exposures can be very damaging on your company.

Here are some scenarios:

1. If you send an e-mail containing a virus or malware, and customer information is compromise, you can be held liable.
2. If you or an employee acquired unauthorized access to another company’s information that is misued or stolen, you can be held liable.
3. If you or an employee publishes slander or defamation on the company’s blog, website, or any other Internet media, you can be held liable.

Technology is advancing, and businesses need to try and keep up with it. More companies are turning to computers to store data, such as, customer files, accounting, etc. That being said, you are at risk for these Internet dangers. A regular general liabilty and property policy would not cover your business for any Internet exposures. You would have to purchase cyber liability insurance. Cyber liability insurance offers coverage for data privacy, e-media and Internet liability, network security, infringement of intellectual property rights, professional services, and network security.

State Farm Insurance Co. has released its top 10 states for claims involving dog bites, with California on top in number of claims and Florida recording the highest cost per claim.

The Bloomington-based State Farm reported that California led the nation in dog bite claims at 369 in 2010, which represented a total payout of $11.3 million. Ranking second on the list is Illinois with 317 claims for a total cost of $9.7 million.

But Florida, which ranked seventh on the list, registered the highest costs per claim at $38,356 as opposed to the average claim of around $30,000 for California and Illinois.

According to Insurance Journal, State Farm paid out $90 million nationwide in 2010 as the result of 3,500 claims, 33 of which resulted in fatalities.

The Insurance Information Institute estimated that insurers paid out some $412 million in dog bit claims in 2009, the most recent information available.

Top 10 states for State Farm Dog Bite Claims in 2010

I’m sure most of you can tell that summer is just around the corner, and the season hosts an array of fun-filled activities, such as, barbques and swimming. Summer is also responsible for an American tradition: road trips. Although rising gas prices may slow down this tradition this Summer, here are some tips to have a safe and successful road trip:

Check your fluid levels
There are various car fluids that should be checked before a road trip. You should check your vehicle to have the right amoutn of antifreeze, engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission, as well as, windshield washer fluid.

Look for leaks
Check for any suspicious leaks that might be on your car. Check your driveway to see if there is anything on the ground that could be from your car. You want to especially check if there are any leaks on the gas tank. This could really put a dent on your wallet!

Check the air filter
A clogged air filter can cause up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy. Make sure you have a clean air filter in place.

Check all seat belts and car/booster seats
Make sure all of your seatbelts are in working order. If you are traveling with a child, make sure the booster seat/child restraint are propely installed.

Plan your trip in advance
You want to plan ahead and take the time to map out your course. Make sure you choose the most direct route to your destination. Always have a map or GPS handy just in case you find yourself not knowing where you are.

Observe the speed limit
Make sure you drive at the legal speed limit. This not only saves money on gas, but also helps to keep you and your loved ones safe.

First aid kit and roadside assistance kit
It is really important to keep a first aid kit and roadside assitance kit ready. Accidents can happen at any time, and the best thing anyone can do is prepare for one when it does come. Make sure to pack extra water, blanket, cell phone charger, flashlight, non-perishable food, battery-operated radio and extra batteries in case of an emergency.

Pack a cooler
To avoid multiple food stops, fill a cooler with pop, water and snacks. This will not only help you save time, it will also help you save money!

Entertainment
If you are traveling with children, it is good to keep them entertained on your long road trip. Bring portable DVD players, music cd’s, handheld electronic games, etc. The long road trip could be tiring on your kids, so entertainment will help make the trip more bearable, not just for you, but for your children as well.

Proof of auto insurance
The more miles you drive, you increase your chances are of getting into an accident. Make sure you have the proper insurance in place. You want to make sure you have the right coverages.

Being underinsured is one of the worst predicaments one can see themselves in when it comes to homeowners insurance. That’s why it is important to take the time and review your homeowners insurance at least 1-2 times a year. In doing so, it prevents any unpleasant surprises when a loss occurs (when amount of coverage matters most). There are a few occurrences that should trigger the time for a policy review, such as, your renewal date, major improvements to your home, and major lifestyle change.

Policy Renewal – When your policy renews, it is a good time for you to review your coverages. Take the time and call your insurance agent to discuss things matter. Here are a few questions you can ask when reviewing your policy:

1. Has the company made any changes since last year?
2. Should I raise my deductible?
3. Am I taking advantage of all the available discounts?
4. Do I need to raise the limits on the dwelling? Liability? Personal possessions?
5. Do I need flood, earthquake, or an umbrella policy?

Major Improvements to Your Home – If you have done any improvements to the home, such as, adding another room, improved flooring, rebuilt kitchen, etc., you want to make sure you have the proper amount of coverage that will reflect the increase of building costs from the improvements.

Burgler/Fire Alarm Installation – If you have installed a new fire and/or burgler alarm, you may qualify for a discount. Check with your insurance agent to make sure.

Major Lifestyle Change – Marriage, divorce, addition of children are just some examples of major lifestyle changes that should trigger a policy review. With these changes comes increased value of property, such as, personal belongings, and increase of needed protection.

Insurance Incorporated opened there newest office in Fillmore, CA. Insurance Incorporated is a full service Independent Agency. Serving the insurance needs of consumers and business owners since 1958.  Whether you need insurance for auto, home, business, life or health insurance,  Insurance Incorporated can help. 

As independent agents we give you the advantage of saving time and money by shopping your insurance with numerous carriers with one call.  Why shop the old fashion way calling agent after agent gathering one quote at a time, when you can call Insurance Incorporated and receive quotes from the leading insurance carriers, such as Mercury,  Safeco, Hartford, Travelers, Metlife, Golden Eagle, Progressive, Allied to mention just a few. Unlike some carriers that can only quote these companies , we can quote and write your insurance for you. Call 877-898-933 for a free quote on your insurance today!

Photo from National Underwriter Property & Casualty

There has been a series of earthquakes that we’ve have experienced throughout the world. It is inevitable that the United States is going to be affected as well in the future. In the chart above, it shows the different seismic zones in the United States as well as the horrific San Andreas Fault. It explains the magnitude of each zone and the devastating losses that can incur.

Your homeowners policy will not cover your home from earthquakes or floods. They must be purchase as seperate policies!