Holiday Safety Tips: Holiday Theft

Today we will be looking at ways theft happens over the holidays. There is porch pirating, parking lot pilfering, and personal id theft.

Below are ways to prevent such theft from happening to you. These tips are taken from Traveler’s website: https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx.

 

Porch pirating
When having packages delivered to your home, beware of “porch pirating” – when a thief steals delivered packages from your doorstep or porch. Thieves can follow delivery trucks, watching for prime targets. These thieves commonly strike during working hours as many homes are empty at that time. To help avoid this situation, when possible, have your packages delivered to a location where they can be received in person, such as a neighbor’s or relative’s house. If your employer allows it, consider having your package delivered to work.

When making a purchase online, if the retailer provides the option, choose a specific delivery time. If purchasing from a larger retailer, consider having your package delivered to a local store for pick-up. Take advantage of delivery alerts so you can be notified when a package arrives at your home. If you are not available to pick it up, ask a trusted neighbor to take your package inside for safekeeping.

When possible, request the delivery company to hold your package at their closest pick-up facility until you can pick it up. You also can ask the shipper to require a signature confirmation of delivery in order to prevent packages being left when no one is home to sign for them. It also is helpful to provide delivery instructions so packages can be left out of sight from your yard or the road.

Parking lot pilfering
Your parked vehicle can be a prime target for thieves. They often will break windows or punch locks to gain access to items left in plain view. Open windows and unlocked doors also can make your car an easy target. To help reduce the risk of theft from your vehicle, always lock your doors, even if you are quickly running in somewhere, and be sure to put the windows up in your car when leaving it unattended.

Park your vehicle in well-lit, high-traffic areas and away from larger vehicles or shrubs. Thieves can target cars in isolated areas in order to “work” without drawing attention.

Do not keep any items – including your purse or wallet – in plain view. Clearly visible items can catch the eye of a thief. Be sure to stow and secure all items prior to reaching your destination. Thieves often watch parking lots for people stowing items in their trunk. Also, be sure to remove any portable accessories, such as GPS units and stereo faceplates, when leaving your car.

Personal ID theft
Sixty-two percent of Americans worry about the potential for ID theft, according to the 2013 Travelers Consumer Risk Index, and the holidays are a prime time for thieves to target their victims. To help reduce the chances of falling victim to ID theft, keep the amount of personal information you carry in your wallet or purse at a minimum. Always take credit card and ATM receipts. Do not throw them into public trash containers or leave them on the counter as thieves can pick up the receipt.

Guard your credit card or debit card when making purchases or using an ATM machine. Shield your hand when typing in personal identification numbers. It is critical to always be aware of who is around you, as some identity thieves have been known to copy credit card information or even use cellphone cameras to snap pictures of cards.

Tomorrow's blog will talk about online shopping safety!

Holiday Safety Tips: Winter Driving

The following information has been taken directly from Traveler's website. To see the original article, please go to https://www.travelers.com/prepare-prevent/holiday-safety.aspx.

Winter Driving Tips:

· Make sure your car is prepared for cold temperatures and wintery conditions like snow and ice. Keep your equipment properly maintained and include a winter survival kit in your vehicle: blankets, clothing essentials (sweatshirts/warm sweaters, gloves), security items (flashlight, candles, small knife, waterproof matches), water and food (energy bars or trail mix), first-aid kit, ice scraper, sand and salt, snow shovel, jumper cables, tow rope/strap.

· Clear snow and ice off your car – including windows, mirrors, lights, reflectors, hood, roof and trunk.

· Drive with your headlights on, and be sure to keep them clean to improve visibility.

· Use caution when snow banks limit your view of oncoming traffic.

· Avoid using cruise control in snowy or icy conditions. In adverse conditions, you want as much control of your car as possible.

· Know how to brake on slippery surfaces. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes operate much differently from those that do not have anti-lock brakes. You should consult your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions on how to brake properly if your vehicle should start to skid.

· Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This helps ensure you have a source of heat if you are stuck or stranded.

· If you do venture out or are unexpectedly caught in a snowstorm and encounter problems, stay in your car and wait for help. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. There is a danger of carbon monoxide poisoning if snow blocks the pipe and enables the deadly gas to build up in your car. Open your window slightly to help prevent the buildup.

· Keep your windshield washer reservoir full, and make sure your car has wiper blades that are in good condition.

· Remember that speed limits are meant for dry roads, not roads covered in snow and ice. You should reduce your speed and increase your following distance as road conditions and visibility worsen.

· Be cautious on bridges and overpasses as they are commonly the first areas to become icy.

· Avoid passing snow plows and sand trucks. The drivers can have limited visibility, and the road in front of them could be worse than the road behind.

· Monitor road and weather conditions by checking local news stations or Internet traffic and weather sites.

· If you must travel during a snowstorm or in blizzard conditions, be sure to let a relative, friend or coworker know where you are headed and your expected arrival time. Avoid the temptation to check or be on your phone while driving as all of your attention should be on arriving safely.

· Make sure all scheduled maintenance is up-to-date. This can help reduce the risk of a mechanical breakdown.

· Ensure that your tires are in good condition, properly inflated and have ample tread. If you live in an area where heavy snow is common, consider having snow or winter tires installed.

· Make sure your heater and window defrosters are working properly.

· Make sure your battery is in good condition.

· Consider putting all-weather or winter floor mats in your car.

Tomorrow we’ll look at ladder safety!

 

 

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. 

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. 

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. 

The "Best Price" for Vehicle Insurance

Many insurance companies are touting vehicle insurance coverage savings that can be received by “switching” from your current insurance carrier to another insurance carrier.

The Insurance Information Institute confirms that most vehicle insurance rates have risen 10 per cent for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010.  Further, it is expected that vehicle insurance rates will raise at least 4 per cent for the year 2011.

Insurance company costs of doing business are rising.  Insurance premiums are rising.

Why not contact your favorite insurance agent (Ryan Edgington, Burton Heginger, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman) at the Triplett Companies (515/232-5240) to provide you with several vehicle insurance quotes to see what the “real” savings can be? 

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.

New Vehicle Insurance

Before you consummate the purchase of that “new” car, obtain three vehicle insurance quotes.

New vehicle insurance premiums depend on the safety record and safety features of the car, the past theft history of the car, repair costs, engine size and power, etc. 

Normally, it is best to obtain several competitive quotes prior to purchasing that new vehicle. 

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

"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 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.

AIR BAGS AND REPUTABLE VEHICLE REPAIR BUSINESSES

Air bags have been a requirement in vehicles for some time. 

Originally installed air bags normally deploy during an accident.  Air bags do save lives.

However, there have been an increasing number of reports of “air bag” fraud.  That is, when the damaged vehicle is being repaired, it has been discovered that some vehicle repair businesses have:

       (a) not reinstalled the air bags,

      (b) installed “faulty” air bags,

      (c) not properly reinstalled the air bags, or

      (d) installed “salvaged” air bags. 

If you experience an accident that requires air bag replacement, be careful to select a vehicle repair business that is reputable and ethical.

Contact Mike Carter, Andrea Shearer, or Tessa Everman at Triplett Companies  (515/232-5240) for more guidance in this matter.

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% in the month of September 2012! (For additional detail, see the 08 October online report from Property Casualty 360 at >propertycasualty360.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.

Call Mike Carter or Andrea Shearer at Triplett Companies and ask for their help. Most likely, Mike or Andrea can save you a lot of money!