Holiday Safety Tips: Safety in the Workplace

Today will end our Holiday Safety series. We hope you have enjoyed it and have learned some new tips on how to stay safe during the Holiday Season.

Remember, all of this information can be found on Travelers’ website: https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx.

 

Here are some helpful hints to consider when putting up, taking down, and living with holiday decorations in the workplace:

• Make sure new hires are familiar with their surroundings and responsibilities. While they may have a lot of industry experience, your unique facility is still unfamiliar territory.
• Train employees in proper lifting techniques and ladder safety.
• Ensure that your candles are battery operated. Decorations also go hand-in-hand with potential accidents and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the top 4 highest days of the year for candle fires happen between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. So in a busy retail environment, or even in the office, faux candles may be best.
• Choose your decorations wisely. Many of them are combustible, or will burn. Things like paper, decorated trees and wreaths will increase the fire load in a small business. Keep them away from heat or other ignition sources.
• Use extension cords properly, and be sure you aren’t “daisy-chaining” them in order to extend a decoration or a theme to an area where the plug cannot reach. Aside from a potential trip and fall incident, this is also a fire hazard.
• Choose smart locations for any additional holiday displays and products. Be sure you are not covering up emergency exit signs, over-crowding aisle ways—anything that would make it difficult to get out in an emergency situation.
• Be sure decorations are secured properly and traffic can navigate easily around them, especially when it comes to big displays.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels. Over-stocking shelves could lead to items toppling onto staff or customers.
• As a general rule, always take the time to scan your facility to make sure it’s safe for customers and employees. It should be a part of your daily process to open and/or close up shop.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog; and remember, to think of us next time you need insurance!

Holiday Safety Tips: Packing and Storage

Christmas is only 9 days away!

It seems hard to believe, but 2014 is also just around the corner. This also means that in only a few short weeks it will be time to put away the holiday decorations.

It’s a sad time when the Christmas tree and stockings are put away, but it’s also a sad time if someone gets hurt.

Here are some helpful reminders from Travelers for you to remember when it’s time to take down the holiday decorations.

• Inspect and discard damaged decorations prior to packing and storing them.
• Disassemble, pack and store all decorations according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Store decorations in a dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets, as well as heat sources and open flames.
• Stack boxes in a corner or other stable location, and never higher than eye level to avoid injury or damage from toppling.

Visit Travelers’website to find more holiday safety information https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx.

Tomorrow will end this little Holiday Safety series, and we will be discussing safety in the workplace during the Holidays.
 

Holiday Safety Tips: Online Shopping Safety

Today we are going to look at ways to protect yourself while doing online shopping.

 

This is taken from the Traveler's webiste:

https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx

• You should research retailers to make sure they are reputable and have a secure network and website. Avoid buying from a site that does not have a secure socket layer (SSL) encryption installed. Look for the 's' at the beginning of a URL – HTTPS:// instead of HTTP:// – to help determine if a site is SSL secured.
• Read the site's privacy policy to learn how the personal information you provide will be used.
• Use only one credit card for online purchases. Be sure to open statements when received to check for fraudulent charges or activity.
• If you receive an email regarding sales or discounts from a particular retailer, log on directly to the official website for the business. Avoid linking to it from an unsolicited email.

Tomorrow we will look at emails and attachments.

Holiday Safety Tips: Ladder Safety

 
The following information is taken from Traveler's website where it features different tips on how to stay safe this Holiday Season.


https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx

 

Ladder Safety 

Ladder safety should start before even stepping foot on one. The improper use of a ladder, or using an object other than a ladder to reach an item, can result in serious injury due to over – reaching or falling. Statistics suggest that workers are more likely to abuse and misuse ladders rather than use them correctly in the workplace.

There are a number of factors that must be considered when working with ladders, and following key practices of ladder safety can help prevent a potential injury.

• Inspect a ladder for cracks, loose rungs, slivers and sharp edges prior to every use. If the ladder appears to be in poor condition, do not use it.
• Use caution while carrying or moving ladders.
• Practice team lifting if the ladder is too long or heavy for one person to move.
• Ladders should be carried horizontally rather than vertically, unless it is lightweight or under eight feet tall.
• Ensure ladders are set on firm ground and against a solid support during use.
• When using a non-self-supporting ladder, which must lean against a wall or other support, be sure to position it at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is about 1/4 the working length of the ladder.
• Always completely open the step ladder and make certain it is stable before using it.
• Make note of the maximum intended load and manufacturer's rated capacity when selecting and using ladders.
• Do not stand higher than the second step from the top.
• Never stand or sit on the top step.
• Do not use metal ladders near electrical exposures.

 

Tomorrow we will look at holiday theft.

What is an Independent Insurance Agency?

What is an Independent Insurance Agency?

An Independent Insurance Agency is not limited to writing insurance policies with one insurance company, but can shop multiple insurance companies and find the best price and coverage for their customers.

What is a Captive Agency?

A Captive Agency is limited to one insurance company.

What is the difference between an Independent Insurance Agency and a Captive Agency?

The difference between an Independent Agency and a Captive Agency is an Independent Agency can provide quotes from several different insurance companies; however, a Captive Agency can only provide one quote from one company.

For example, Tom and Sarah have insurance with a Captive Agency (State Farm, Allstate, American Family, etc), and they just received their renewal bill. Their policy premium increased over $100 from last year. They call their agency and asked for a quote from another company. The Captive Agency cannot help them because they can only sell that one brand of insurance (State Farm, Allstate, American Family, etc.).

 Now let’s use the same scenario, but this time Tom and Sarah are insured through an Independent Insurance Agency. Tom and Sarah receive their renewal premium and it has increased over $100 from last year. They call their agency, and the agency quotes the policy with several companies to find the best price and company for Tom and Sarah.

The advantage of doing business with an Independent Agency is that they do the insurance shopping for you.

REFUSING TO RENEW A POLICY AND POLICY CANCELLATION

Insurance companies agree to insure clients against unexpected occurrences in return for a sum of money called a premium.

Occasionally, insurance companies divest themselves of current clients by either:

      a.  refusing to renew the current insurance policy, or

      b.  cancelling the current insurance coverage for a client. 

Such actions are normally taken against clients an insurance company deems “bad risks.”  A bad risk client is usually a client who has either submitted too many claims in a given time period or who has submitted a very large claim (in comparison to the premium that has been collected by the insurance company).  Of course, fraudulent claims made by a client, if discovered, will lead to an immediate cancellation of an insurance policy followed by legal action against the client. 

If an insurance company refuses to renew its insurance coverage for a client, normally your insurance agent can find another insurance carrier to insure you.   However, when a client is “cancelled” by an insurance carrier, it is more difficult to find a new insurance carrier.

For more detail regarding an insurance policy non renewal or an insurance policy cancellation, contact either Andrea Shearer, Tessa Everman, or Burton Heginger at Triplett Companies at phone number 515/232-5240. 

FRIVOLOUS INSURANCE CLAIMS

Insurance companies agree to insure clients against their monetary losses incurred due to unexpected occurrences.

Any claims for unexpected occurrences that trigger an insurance claim should be carefully considered in an effort to determine whether such an insurance claim might be considered “frivolous” by an insurance company.

An insurance company may consider an insurance claim to be frivolous if the insured claim is not much more than the estimated cost to either repair or replace the insured damage. 

For example a $600 dollar insurance claim for which the client will only receive $100 in insurance benefits because of a $500 deductible might not be in the best, long run interests of the insured. 

When submitting any insurance claim, be certain to consider the long run impact such a claim will have on future insurability. 

As soon as a client is involved in an unexpected, insured occurrence, it is wise to discuss that occurrence in detail with your insurance agent.

For more information, contact either Andrea Shearer, Tessa Everman, or Burton Heginger at Triplett Companies at phone number 515/232-5240. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE PRICES CONTINUE TO RISE IN 2012

Insurance premiums are on the rise.  Insurance Companies state that the market has been “soft” the past few years, but that is no longer the case – that is, the cost of insurance for most homeowners and vehicle owners is on the rise!  Market Scout reports that personal insurance rates rose as much as 3 percent in the month of September 2012!  (For additional detail, see the 08 October online report from Property Casualty 360 at >property casualty360.com<)

What can you do to reduce your cost of insurance and still maintain an adequate level of insurance?  Contact your independent insurance agent and ask that he or she seek other quotes for your insurance.

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Andrea Shearer, Tessa Everman, or Burton Heginger) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) and ask for their help.  Most likely they can save you money!

 

Renter's Insurance

An often forgotten insurance coverage is called “renter’s insurance.” 

Renter's insurance provides great coverage for damaged and/or stolen personal items for those who rent their housing. It also provides excellent liability coverage.

If rented housing is damaged by fire, tornado, etc. the renter will have no coverage for destroyed or lost personal items, no coverage for alternative housing (such as room in a motel, etc.) while the damaged rental unit is being repaired.

 

With liability coverage, your assets are being protected. For example, if the apartment or house that you rent burns to the ground and you are found responsible for causing the fire, you will have to pay for the home or apartment to be rebuilt. If you have renter's insurance, your insurance company pays for the home or apartment to be rebuilt.

The cost is about $10 per month for a good renter insurance policy.

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Andrea Shearer, Tessa Everman, Burton Heginger, or Ryan Edgington) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) if you have questions about renter’s insurance and would like a premium quote for Renter Insurance coverage.    

 

VEHICLE "VANISHING" DEDUCTIBLES

Lately, several insurance companies (carriers) have offered “vanishing deductibles” for vehicles they insure.

Be certain to compare the price of a “vanishing deductible” insurance policy to another similar policy that is without the “vanishing deductible.”

National data indicates that the price of a one-vehicle “vanishing deductible” insurance policy may be $60 more than a similar one-vehicle “non vanishing deductible” insurance policy.

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Andrea Shearer, Tessa Everman, Burton Heginger, or Ryan Edgington) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) for more information and price quotes. 

Being Truthful About Vehicle Issues

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Hubby say car ding wasn’t his bad?  Don’t believe him” suggested that spouses are often not truthful about traffic violation tickets they may receive, paying the vehicle insurance bill, putting a scratch or “ding” in the car, etc.

The actual statistics for such non truthful items follow.

1.  The percent of spouses who reported they did put a “ding’ in the car, yet did not report that fact to their spouse, but blamed it on someone else was 35 per cent!

2.  One fourth (24 per cent) of those surveyed reported that they did not report a traffic violation ticket to their spouses.

3.  Almost one fourth (24 per cent)of those surveyed confirmed that they did not report an accident to their spouses.

4.  Almost one fifth (19 per cent) of those surveyed admitted they did not tell their spouse when they forgot to pay a vehicle insurance bill.

5.  Almost one fifth (19 per cent) of those surveyed revealed they had knowingly driven a vehicle without a valid driver’s license but not shared that information with their spouses.

These above results were determined from a survey of 1,000 married couples completed by an insurance shopping and information site found at  >Insure.com<.        

Contact Andrea Shearer, Burton Heginger, Tessa Everman, or Ryan Edgington at Triplett Companies  (515/232-5240) for your insurance needs!  However, be sure to tell your spouse!     

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist insurance coverage protects the insured if he/she is involved in an accident with a “non insured” or “underinsured” individual.

The level of uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage a client carries is normally equal to the bodily injury liability limits carried on your primary vehicle insurance policy.  These limits are often noted as “$100,000/$300,000” on the declaration sheet of your vehicle insurance policy.

The “$100,000” coverage is the limit payable by the insurance company per person.  The “$300,000” coverage is the limit payable by the insurance company for any particular occurrence. 

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Burton Heginger, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) for more information on such coverage and the pricing of that coverage. 

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND PREMIUM COST

Individuals seeking vehicle insurance coverage with numerous traffic violation (not parking tickets!), at-fault accidents, driving while intoxicated, etc. will find it difficult and costly to obtain adequate insurance coverage.

Most states maintain such records for at least three years, and even up to five years.

Check with your state vehicle licensing facility to ensure that the information on your driving record is accurate.

If your rate does rise, check for competitive pricing with alternative insurance companies.

If you receive a “cancellation” notice or a “refuse to renew” notice, take action immediately to ensure you have adequate vehicle insurance coverage by calling your insurance agent.     

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Burton Heginger, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) to obtain more information and several price quotes if you find yourself in this situation. 

Teenage Drivers

Adding a teenage driver to a family vehicle insurance policy will often increase the insurance premium by over 30 per cent.

It is usually less costly to keep the teenage drive on the family vehicle insurance policy. 

Additionally, avoiding a ratio of the same number of vehicles and drivers often helps to offset the cost of teenage drivers.

To offset the increase in the insurance premium, ask about multi-car discounts, multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, teenage driver education credit discounts, etc.     

The best way to ensure you obtain the least costly insurance policy with adequate coverage is to contact your insurance agent.

Why not contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Burton Heginger, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) to help ensure you have adequate coverage for your teenage drivers at the best price?  Call or e-mail today.

     

Reasons for "Shopping" Your Vehicle Insurance

Triplett Companies insurance agents will review your vehicle insurance policy with you in person at least one time per year.    

 

However there may be other reasons than the annual renewal review for “shopping” and “reviewing” your vehicle insurance policy.

 

1.  If the cost of the vehicle insurance is not in the budget, consider higher deductibles,
    alternative insurance carrier price quotes, etc.

 

2.  If you have recently been involved in an accident or received one or more moving
    traffic violations (tickets).

 

3.  If you are considering the purchase of another vehicle (replacement or additional)     and need to determine how this vehicle will impact your insurance premium.

 

4.  If a teenage member of the household becomes eligible for a driver’s license.      

     

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Burton Heginger, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) for further help ensuring you are receiving the best price for your insurance needs.

"Named Insured Only" Clause

If you desire to ensure all drivers of your vehicles are covered with your insurance, make certain that your insurance company (carrier) does not include a “Named Insured Only” clause in your vehicle insurance policy. 

It is becoming more common today for insurance companies to limit their risk by adding this clause to their driver coverage in the insurance policy. 

Remember however, that if drivers of your vehicle(s) do become involved in an accident, your vehicle insurance premium could increase.  Take time to ensure that those who drive your vehicles are good drivers having good driving records and are properly licensed. 

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) to ensure your vehicle is insured for “all drivers” and/or “named insured drivers only” as per your choice. 

VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE COVERAGE ONLY

Vehicle liability insurance coverage protects the insured client involved in an accident for damages for which he/she might be liable due to the accident.

For older vehicles, clients may wish to remove both collision (damage to property due to the accident) and comprehensive (damage due to vandalism, fire, flood, etc.) insurance coverage’s to save money.

 This decision to “drop” both collision and comprehensive vehicle insurance coverage may make sense for a client when the depreciated value of the damaged or stolen vehicle may be less than the cost to replace the vehicle. 

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Andrea Shearer or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) in order to determine whether or not you might consider dropping comprehensive and collision insurance coverage on your vehicle(s).

VEHICLE INSURANCE DISCOUNTS

It is fashionable for insurance companies (carriers) to offer special discounts on the vehicle insurance premium for various items, such as:

                              

      good students,

      limited driving,

      accident forgiveness,

      minor “moving” traffic violations,

      financial stability,

      air bags,

      longevity with previous or current insurance carrier,

      etc.      

 

Discounts may also be available by purchasing “trade” group and “professional” group plans.

Generally speaking, a client should take advantage of such discounts. 

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Mike Carter, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) and ask for more information on vehicle insurance discounts that may be available to you. 

VEHICLE INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLES

Of course, the question of the “best” level of a deductible on a vehicle insurance policy is a function of several issues; such as what type of insurance coverage one is purchasing, what level of out-of-pocket expenses can be tolerated, how tight is the budget, etc. 

Generally speaking (for vehicle insurance), raising the level of the deductible on both collision (damages due to an accident) and comprehensive (damages due to fire, flood, vandalism, etc.) insurance coverage will reduce the insurance premium.

Practically speaking, many clients feel it is best to pay the $700 damage bill, if they only have a $500 deductible, because of the possibility the insurance company may raise their rates at renewal time.  But there are other alternatives to consider to avoid this dilemma. 

For cost comparisons on various deductible levels and to answer any questions you may have about insurance deductibles, contact your favorite insurance agent (Mike Carter, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240).

VEHICLE LIABILITY, COLLISION, AND COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE

Vehicle liability insurance covers a person who might be liable for his/her actions that caused an accident.

Collision insurance provides funding for repairs to the insured’s property due to an accident.  Collision insurance may also cover the required repairs to the injured parties in an accident.

Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for incurred damages on property due to vandalism, fire, flood, etc.

Contact your favorite insurance agent (Mike Carter, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) to see if you have adequate coverage in each of these areas and for several competitive price quotes on vehicle liability, collision, and/or comprehensive coverage.