SEASONAL AND CURRENT INSURANCE TOPICS

by Alan Plafker, PRESIDENT & CEO Member Brokerage Service LLC

A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization

Texting while driving? You’ve got to be kidding! (NY)

State based regulation seems always to be playing catch up to the progress of technology. We need to look no further than our cell phones to see the front lines of this battle. First, it was mandated hands-free cell phone devices while driving. Now there are increasing bans on “texting” behind the wheel. The number of states passing or considering legislation to ban this increasingly popular practice is on the rise as some drivers have turned their vehicles into mobile home offices.

Five states, including New York, have enacted cell phone laws prohibiting driving while talking on handheld cell phones. Last year alone more than nine states considered legislation specifically banning driving while “texting,” or as it is being commonly termed “DWT.”

The efforts in five of the states—Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Tennessee —died with critics either pointing to a lack of crash data linked to the practice or calling the legislation unnecessary because of reckless driving standards already on the books. But those watching the development of this issue identify proposals in New York, Oregon and California as still having a chance of becoming law.

New York moved closer to joining the list when the Legislature passed a measure adding “texting” to an existing law that outlaws the use of hand held cell phones while driving. The bill (S.3195-C) would prohibit the use of hand held communication devices to send text messages, e-mails and other electronic notes. Violators would face a $100 fine. In support of the proposal sponsors cited a survey conducted by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. showing that one in five drivers “text” behind the wheel, most are between the ages of 18 and 34.

The bill started getting serious attention last July after five high school graduates died in an upstate crash. Text messages had been sent and received on the 17 year old driver’s cell phone moments before the fatal accident. The bill passed the Senate this year but died in the Assembly Transportation committee. According to CTIA, The Wireless Association, more than 158 billion text messages were sent in the USA in 2006 and “multitasking” has become the norm in busy Americans’ lives. Sponsors believe that making the practice illegal could have some impact because the majority of people don’t want to break the law.

Although reliable research showing whether “texting” while driving causes accidents won’t be available for a few years, existing data show driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and, especially, near crashes. A 2006 joint report issued with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 78 percent of crashes involved a driver distracted within three seconds before an accident. Talking on or dialing a cell phone accounted for 6 percent of crashes or near misses.

Going green(er) is a lifestyle change

Getting married? Notify your agent. Having a child? Notify your agent. Buying a boat? Notify your agent. Going green? Notify your agent … ?

Moving to a green or greener lifestyle is less of a fad and more of a progressive movement motivated by a number of factors like higher gasoline prices, home heating costs or just a greater sense of consciousness. A movement where one positive result lies in the most unlikely of places … the layers of life long protection offered by well planned insurance coverage.

The insurance industry and the products offered to you by your professional, independent insurance agent change with the times just as anything else. Let us know if you and your family are making lifestyle changes that benefit the environment— and your wallet.

All over the country, millions of Americans are dusting off bicycles or their walking shoes for trips less than a mile. If you are putting fewer miles on your vehicle, or more importantly, garaging a vehicle for the long term, let us know. Your professional agent has access to the latest products and services from top carriers that can better reflect your lifestyle change while still offering you the blanket of coverage and protection you and your family need.

Going with green technology in the home? The environment aware consumer demands products and services that reflect environmental sensitivity and responsible energy use, and the insurance industry is ready to meet the challenge. If you are making updates to your home or remodeling notify your agent. There may be coverage changes that should be made to your homeowners policy. Remember, rebuilding after a disaster can be expensive if you are rebuilding with greener and/or environmentally friendly technologies. Make sure your protection reflects those costs.

Winter’s on its way: are your pipes protected?

Cold weather will arrive soon. And though it may not be on your mind, it’s time to take precautions against freezing pipes. This year alone, more than a quarter million families will incur damages resulting from frozen pipes. Freezing causes contained water in pipes to solidify and expand often resulting in bursting pipes. A crack of just an eighth inch can spew more than 250 gallons of water per day resulting in thousands of dollars of damage to property.

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover the damages resulting from frozen pipe bursts, however, you may need to prove that you maintained adequate heat in the home or drained the pipes in an unoccupied home. Here are some tips to avoid a loss:

• Insulate your pipes. Any pipe running along an exterior wall or pipes in attics, crawl spaces or garages should be thoroughly insulated. Approved heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be very effective when used properly.
  
  
  
• Seal leaks. Use caulk to fill up any holes allowing cold air indoors. Check around electric wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Even the tiniest leak can cause frozen pipes.
  
  
  
• Remove outdoor water. Disconnect garden hoses, shut off the valve for outdoor supply and drain all water remaining in an outside faucet. Also, remember to drain water from your pool and sprinkler.
  
  
  
• Conserve warm air. Keep garage doors closed, especially if water lines run through it. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate in the plumbing.
  
  
  
• Extremely cold? Let cold water drip slowly from faucets of concern. This helps prevent freezing since even the cold water drip is above the freezing temperature.
  
  
  
• On vacation? Set thermostat to no lower than 55 and turn off the water supply if you can. Consider having a friend check on your home’s temperature daily.

If, despite your best efforts, your pipes have frozen take the following steps to avoid a catastrophic loss:

• Turn on the faucet. Turn on the faucet leading to the respective pipe. If nothing comes out at all call a plumber immediately.
  
  
  
• Cut the water supply. Turn off your main water supply as soon as you can.
  
  
  
• Gently thaw frozen areas. You can use a warm hair dryer along the pipe to encourage it to thaw quicker. Work your way from faucet down to coldest section of the pipe.
  
  
  
• Call a professional. Be sure to call a licensed plumber in you area to ensure you get the best quality service.

Call your agent today for more information on what your policy covers should one of your pipes burst.

Some simple steps and common sense can help prevent vandalism

Vandals strike for a number of reasons, but since Halloween is the season of pranks, this time of year sees a spike in such activity. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your chances of being hit by vandals. Light up the outside of your home or business. The more light the less likely vandals will hit your place. Always keep garage and basement doors and windows closed and locked.

If you’re a victim of vandalism notify the police immediately. If there is damage to your property call us to help get the claims process started. Also, take photos of the damage and clean up any broken glass to avoid any possible injury.

Another concern is for trick or treaters. It is important for safety to be first on everyone’s mind—parents, motorists and kids in costumes. If you are a homeowner, make sure your yard is clear of items that may trip up the trick-or-treaters. Make sure all your lawn furniture and tools etc., are put away and locked up. If someone does get injured on your property be sure to give us a call. Even if you are not at fault, but want to pay the doctor bills for your injured neighbor, your homeowners policy typically will provide for a limited amount of such voluntary payments.

Here are a few simple tips to help keep your trick or treaters and others safe this Halloween:

• Carry a flashlight and put reflective tape on costumes.
  
  
  
• Stay on sidewalks and stay in familiar neighborhoods. If there are no sidewalks walk on the left side of the road facing traffic. Only approach homes that are lit and never go inside.
  
  
  
• Do not let your children eat any candy until you’ve had a chance to inspect it. Throw out anything that looks suspicious.
  
  
  
• Make sure the costumes don’t drag on the ground and shoes fit well.
  
  
  
• Stay away from animals. With all the activity even the friendliest of animals could become nervous and may bite.
  
  
  
• Children should carry a cell phone so they can call home if necessary.
  
  
  
• Parents should explain the difference between tricks and vandalism. Even though throwing eggs may seem like fun the price they’ll pay when they’re caught is not. Consequences include payment for any damages and possibly arrest.
  
  
  
• Motorists should drive slowly all evening. Adult Halloween revelers should be sure to have a designated driver.

Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween. By following a few simple safety tips, everyone can enjoy the night.

Is it covered?

Have you ever left something valuable in your car’s glove box or your coat at a coat check? Do you have a self storage unit? Have you wondered if your possessions are covered under your insurance policies if something happens to them? Well, if you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy chances are good that your valuables are covered.

The vast majority of homeowners policies cover your personal property anywhere in the world—including your friendly neighborhood storage unit. Of course, the vast majority of homeowners policies contain some fairly involved definitions of what exactly constitutes personal property. You’ll want to read your policy closely for excluded property types or value limitations. Keep in mind that your insurance needs will change as you add to or remove items from self storage.

Of course, it’s better to prevent the loss in the first place. If you leave items in your car (e.g., cell phones, global positioning systems, etc.) keep them out of sight from would be thieves and be aware of your surroundings and use caution.

Your professional, independent insurance agent will be glad to help you sort out what is and isn’t covered by your existing policies, and recommend any additional insurance that may be necessary to ensure all your belongings in storage are secure. Call them today for Insurance solutions built on trust.

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Alan Plafker is President of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization. He is a licensed Insurance Broker and serves on the Board of Directors the PIANY (Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY) and on the Board of CIBGNY (Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY). His Agency insures thousands of polices for TLC Insurance as well as many policies for all types of insurance. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300 ext. 1082.

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