Cathy's Insurance Insight

Boat Insurance - Yes!

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:45:00 +0000

Need a quote on Boat Insurance? www.gatewayinsurance.com

Snap a Picture of your License and VIN, Get a Quote with Progressive's M...

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:41:00 +0000

Now, starting a quote is as easy as snapping a picture of your driver's license with the enhanced Progressive mobile app.

Life Insurance - Q&A

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

Question: Can an existing life insurance policy be used to provide for the repayment of an outstanding mortgage loan?

Answer: Yes, an existing policy, either term or cash-value life insurance, can be used for many purposes, including paying off an outstanding mortgage loan balance in the event of the insured's death. Credit life insurance is frequently recommended in conjunction with the taking out of an installment loan when purchasing expensive appliances or a new car, or for debt consolidation.

Question: Should term insurance or cash value life insurance be purchased?

Answer: Although a difficult question--one whose answer will vary depending on circumstances--several principles should be followed in addressing this issue. First, at least two basic questions:

"How much life insurance should I buy?" and
"What type of life insurance policy should I buy?"

The question contained in (1) involves an "insurance" decision and the question contained in (2) requires a "financial" decision.

The "insurance" question should always be resolved first. For example, the amount of life insurance you need may be so large that the only way in which this needed amount of insurance can be afforded is through the purchase of term insurance with its lower premium.

If your ability (and willingness) to pay life insurance premiums is such that you can afford the desired amount of life insurance under either type of policy, it is then appropriate to consider the "financial" decision--which type of policy to buy. Important factors affecting the "financial" decision include your income tax bracket, whether the need for life insurance is short-term or long-term (e.g., 20 years or longer), and the rate of return on alternative investments possessing similar risk.

Worker's Compensation

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:04:00 +0000

Workers’ Compensation coverage applies to bodily injury and diseases arising out of and in the course of employment. Any bodily injury must be accidental, and the term includes death resulting from the accident. Only occupational diseases, which are unique to the occupation, are covered. Medical benefitsIncome benefitsDeath benefitsRehabilitation benefits Our specialist, Melissa Koch can provide you with complete details on Workers’ Compensation Insurance and recommend cost-effective ways to control expenses through safety engineering and claim services.

Insuring Your Business Vehicles

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:10:00 +0000

Business Auto coverage insures vehicles that are owned, leased, hired or borrowed by businesses, whether they are associations, corporations, partnerships or sole proprietorships. Business Auto coverage may be used to insure private passenger autos and all types of trucks, trailers, semitrailers and commercial vehicles designed for use on public roads. Contact Melissa Koch for more details about specific coverages and deductibles and about customizing a Business Auto plan right for you and your business.

What Is the Difference Between Flood Damage and Water Damage?

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

Flooding refers to a large deposit of water around a home or building, or when the ground can't support the excess amount of water. At this point, the water will enter into a home or building and create damage. This is referred to as flood damage.On the other hand, water damage is usually caused by internal issues in a home or building, including, but not limited to toilet over-flows, burst pipes, water heater leaks, broken sprinkler heads, etc.The difference between flood and water damage to home and business owners', is who is responsible - financially and legally.Financially, your damage will potentially fall under your insurance company or the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).FEMA covers homes and buildings in states that are in a "flood zone," or if the flood is in an area that is under a State of Emergency. However, you should always contact FEMA directly and never assume a damage will be covered; as with all government programs, the rules can change based on particular circumstances and policies differ from state to state.Insurance companies have a policy, which is basically a contract, with the home or business owner stating what will and will not be covered. Generally, insurance companies cover water damages, where the home or business owner could not prevent the hazard.Unfortunately, many policyholders are shocked when they learn that their claim has been denied when they sustain flood damage. They discover that the insurance company deemed the damage was the result of a "maintenance issue" (what the homeowner could control). Most home and business owners do not even know that there are maintenance issues required of them under their policy. According to the insurance industry, home and building owners are supposed to inspect basements and windows to determine potential leak and flood liabilities!The most important thing you can do is to carefully review your insurance policy so that you are not caught by surprise for any type of damage that may occur! As well, if you discover any type of water in your home or business, contact a restoration company immediately! The quicker the water is removed, the less damage and expense you will incur.As you have read, flood damage and water damage are actually two different situations. They may look the same or seem the same, but depending on who is paying are actually worlds apart in definition. If you have water issues in your home or business make sure you understand the situation before you begin.

Jeffrey Cohn SI Restoration Water Damage Company
IICRC certified Stericlean
Certified Hoarding Specialist 1-800-356-0484 410-458-5371 ( cell )Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_CohnArticle Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6723521

Teens and Prom Drunk Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:37:00 +0000

More teenagers die in alcohol related crashes during Prom season than any other time of the year. Etta Stewart lost her son Ryan on the night of his senior prom. She's now an active member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Mike Brownlee of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says teens are responsible for more fatal accidents than any other age group and that the numbers peak during prom season.For more information about insurance, go to the I.I.I. Web site at http://www.iii.org/

Open Your Personal Umbrella of Protection

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:04:00 +0000

You don't have to be a millionaire to be sued like one. Million-dollar judgments against individuals for negligence are still relatively rare; however, receiving a lawsuit with a million-dollar demand is common. If you receive such a court summons and you have only $100,000 of coverage, you may lose a lot of sleep.

Umbrella policies offer inexpensive "peace of mind" for most types of negligence claims. Automobile accidents are probably the most common source of serious claims. A personal umbrella policy can give you added liability protection without a large added cost. This is additional liability coverage that goes above the limit of your homeowners, auto and water craft policies. It also covers other types of catastrophic claims, such as a neighbor's child drowning in your pool or the delivery man being seriously injured by falling over your child's toys.

Life Insurance and the Value of Life

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:17:00 +0000

The hardest part to think about is putting price on our lives. The life insurance that you may have can provide that financial part taken care of, but how about the emotion part of it? Life insurance companies they have to deal with the other lawsuits and claims against wrongful deaths. In wrongful death situations, the surviving love ones and families have to deal with the economic, financial as well as the emotional devastation. Assigning the x amount of dollars in one person's life is like calculating the impossible.

It is almost unthinkable to put a dollar value to anyone's life. But forensic economists, the courts, and the government have the daunting task of doing just that. They are tasked to calculate and translate the amount of money the living has to receive as a compensation for a life cut short. Although it is always good to have life insurance just in case something happens but, in a wrongful death situations there a difference.

The mathematical calculations and system they use if you can comprehend is quite ghoulish kind of arithmetic. According to a New York Times article, "It's terribly distressing to anyone who gets involved with it" said Don Frankenfeld, a South Dakota forensic economist who helped determine compensation for September 11 victims. It's scary, ghoulish kind of arithmetic.

Insuring yourself as a person is quite different from victims of wrong death. You have a policy and coverage, whether it's term or whole or universal, your beneficiaries will definitely get what you paid for. The beneficiary receives policy proceeds upon the insureds demise. The owner designates the beneficiary, but the beneficiary is not a party to the policy. The owner can change behavior the beneficiary unless the policy has an irrevocable beneficiary designation.

The two types of life insurance are term insurance and permanent. The one that's right for you depends on bunch factors, including your budget, the amount of coverage you need, and the length of time you would like the coverage to last. Interest sensitive is the type that is fairly new, and is also known as either excess interest or current assumption a certain life.

There is always a correlation between an insured person and putting value on someone's livelihood and economic and financial way of living. For instance, you died on the September eleven tragedy, the courts, the forensic economists and the government is having a hard time calculating the amount of money to pay to these victims of the heinous and appalling disaster.

In some cases when they do the calculations for the fund pay outs, they almost always subtract any life insurance paid. The life insurance companies have already paid the insured's beneficiaries. Thus, in a wrongful case they will subtract your life insurance that is paid.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1335006

The Messenger Saves it Forward with Baggage Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:07:00 +0000

These folks just landed in Savingsville. Follow The Messenger's journey on Facebook: www.facebook.com/progressivemessenger

Avoiding Costly Insurance Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Make A New Year's Resolution To Avoid Costly Insurance Mistakes And Save Money On Your Auto And Homeowners Insurance In 2012

Five Tips To Prevent You From Ending Up Dangerously Underinsured

January 4, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York Press Office: (212) 346-5500; media@iii.org

NEW YORK, January 4, 2011 — Reducing expenses is a popular New Year’s resolution for many people. While there are smart ways to save on homeowners and auto insurance, making the wrong choices can result in being dangerously underinsured, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

“There are simple steps you can take to cut the cost of your home and auto insurance while continuing to be financially protected against a catastrophe,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I.

Following are five insurance mistakes that consumers should avoid, along with practical suggestions for better ways to save:

1. Insuring a home for its real estate value instead of for the cost of rebuilding. With the real estate market in a slump and home prices down in many parts of the country, some homeowners may think they can reduce the amount of insurance on their home, too. But insurance is designed to cover the cost of rebuilding, not the sales price of your home. Make sure you have enough coverage to completely rebuild your home and replace all your belongings in the event of a disaster.

A better way to save: Raise your deductible. An increase from $500 to $1,000 could save up to 25 percent on your annual premium.

2. Selecting an insurance company by price alone. Do not just choose a company with competitive prices. It is a good idea to also make sure the company is financially sound and provides good customer service.

A better way to save: Check the financial health of a company with independent rating agencies and ask friends and family for recommendations. You should select an insurance company that has a reputation for excellent customer service and will respond to your needs and handle claims fairly and efficiently. .

3. Dropping flood insurance. Damage from flooding is not covered under standard homeowners and renters insurance policies. Coverage is available from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as well as from some private insurance companies. Many homeowners are unaware they are at risk for flooding, but in fact 25 percent of all flood losses occur in low risk areas.

A better way to save: Before purchasing a home check with the NFIP to see whether it is located in a flood zone. If so, consider buying a home in a less risky area. If you already own a home in a flood zone area, look at home mitigation efforts that can reduce your risk of flood damage and consider purchasing flood insurance.

4. Purchasing only the legally required amount of liability for your vehicle. In today’s litigious society, buying only the minimum amount of liability means you are likely to pay more out-of-pocket if you are sued—and those costs may be steep. The insurance industry and consumer groups generally recommend a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident.

A better way to save: Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older vehicles worth less than $1,000.

5. Neglecting to buy renters insurance. A renters insurance policy covers your possessions and additional living expenses if you have to move out of your home due to a disaster. Equally important, it provides liability protection in the event someone is injured in your home and decides to sue.

A better way to save: Look into multi-policy discounts. Buying several policies with the same insurer, such as renters, auto and life, will generally provide savings.

The I.I.I. website has consumer information on insurance, as well as more tips for saving money on homeowners and auto insurance.

RELATED LINKS

Video – Avoiding Insurance Mistakes: Five Tips

National Flood Insurance Problem – FloodSmart.gov

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

Life Insurance Is Often Not Given The Priority It Deserves

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:58:00 +0000

Life insurance is a crucial step in planning for your family’s future. It can fulfill promises and obligations to your family if you are no longer living. The death benefit is income-tax free and can be used to cover funeral expenses, repay debt, provide education, pay estate taxes or any other expenses your survivors may incur. Life insurance may also be used to help ensure that a family business will pass to your intended survivor. There are also benefits to certain types of life insurance plans during your lifetime.

Give us a call at 707-446-9864 and we can answer any questions you may have. The sooner you start, the less it costs, so call now.

Fireplace Safety - Vacaville Fire Department

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:19:00 +0000

Jill Childers, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Vacaville Fire Department,
discusses fireplace safety.

The Messenger Saves it Forward in Tampa - Extended Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Saving it forward, one gas station at a time.
www.facebook.com/progressivemessenger Give Gateway Insurance a call for a quote!

12 Days of Firewise - Dispose of Fireplace Ashes Properly

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:12:00 +0000

Firewise Northwest Regional Advisor Gary Marshall tells homeowners how to
properly dispose of ashes from the fireplace

Happy New Year From Gateway Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 15:53:00 +0000

At Gateway Insurance, we want to thank you for your business and your interest in our products and services. We look forward to serving you in the coming New Year and wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Choosing an Independent Insurance Agent

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Choice—it's something we take for granted. An independent insurance agent is free to tailor solutions to fit you, your needs, and your life—to help you make the choices that are right for you.

Travelers Insurance -- New Bone (Dog Commercial)

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:48:00 +0000

The Travelers dog has a special bone that is the envy of all the neighborhood dogs. Watch and see how thinking of others this holiday season can brighten one dog's day.

Merry Christmas From Gateway Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 02:44:00 +0000

The Messenger Saves Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:38:00 +0000

Give us a call to see how much you can save!

You Want Full Replacement Value For Your Home, Right?

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:04:00 +0000

Ensure Full Replacement Value of Your Home

Rebuilding a home often costs more than what it took to build it originally, a fact that is surprising to most people. It’s important for your peace of mind to know you can replace your home in full if necessary.

To assure complete protection of your home, choose the coverage you need based on replacement, rather than original build, costs. There are subtle, extra expenses associated with rebuilding and they add up. You encounter most of them before you even drive the first nail.

Why does it cost more to rebuild a home? Consider these eight factors:

Temporary repairs – the first step in a rebuild. You may need to board up the home or have other temporary work done to secure it. This protects against further damage by the elements and by vandals. In severe losses, the home may need temporary electrical and heating. These are costs that you would not encounter when building a new home, but are often a necessary first step in a rebuild.

Demolition truths: it costs money to destroy something. A damaged structure often requires partial or complete demolition before rebuilding can occur. Removing and hauling away the debris can be costly. An older home can make these costs even higher. Plan your coverage accordingly.

Your first building permit does not cover your rebuild. You may not realize it, but a rebuild needs its own permit. Your insurance coverage should include this cost.

Engineers and architects – yes, you may need their services. Rebuilds typically require an engineer’s calculations to receive a new building permit. An architect’s rendering may be required in the event of a total loss. Engineers and architect fees can add 5 to 8 percent to the total cost of replacement.

Outdated code compliance can cost you. Many insurance policies have a provision to cover code-compliance upgrades – to a point. However, these upgrades can cost thousands of dollars when you consider electrical work, asbestos abatement, addition of tempered glass, etc. Particularly for older homes, this can be a critical issue. Make sure your coverage includes upgrades such as these.

Landscaping – the icing on the cake. Some insurance policies cover landscaping, however, often they cover only what was destroyed in the initial incident. The traffic of construction personnel and vehicles can wreck havoc on your lawn, shrubbery and flowers. The rebuild process can end up destroying any landscaping that survived the incident, and your coverage should be enough to cover it.

No price breaks. If one builder built your allotment, which is increasingly common today, the builder likely purchased construction materials and home fixtures in bulk. For a rebuild, the price-break opportunity is not there. You will now pay a premium for the same materials.

You have to have a good foundation. Though rarely destroyed as a direct result of a fire, foundations often need to be replaced due to “spawling.” This happens when moisture inside the concrete heats up and affects the integrity as well as the aesthetics. It is not unusual for an engineer to call for the full replacement of a home’s foundation following a large fire.

The items listed above can easily add 20 to 30 percent to the cost of rebuilding a home – even more, depending on the age and condition of the home. Make sure your home is adequately covered. You will rest easier knowing you and your family can return to your home and enjoy the life you have built, having obtained true full-replacement value for your biggest investment.

Material provided by Kemper. Ask your agent about a Kemper Homeowners policy today.

What The Know About Flooded Areas

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:30:00 +0000

The following precautions are suggestions that residents in flooded areas may want to implement:

Confirm the water supply is safe to drink. Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply has been contaminated by the floodwaters. Remember to carry bottled drinking water and discard any food products that may have come in contact with floodwater.
Wear protective clothing. Protect yourself during cleanup by wearing boots, gloves and masks. Clean and disinfect everything floodwater contacted.
Ventilate your home. Open all doors and windows to allow air to circulate and dry out your home. Dehumidify as soon as possible after a flood.
Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pit and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
Make a list of lost or damaged items. Be sure to include their age and value, and if possible, have receipts for those items available.
Prevent mold growth. Wash all surface areas in the house that came in contact with floodwater. Disinfect and wipe surfaces dry with paper towels to minimize bacterial contamination.
Isolate any moldy objects. Seal moldy trash in plastic bags and remove them immediately. Objects you can save should be dried or frozen as soon as possible. Freezing inactivates mold.

For more tips on cleaning up and keeping your family safe, visit www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/, www.minnesotarecovers.org or the CDC’s flood website at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/.
FEMA coordinates the Federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of safe.

The Messenger Saves it Forward with Free Parking

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:58:00 +0000

Renters Insurance Is Important

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Renters Insurance

Suppose you came home from work to find your apartment or home broken into and your new plasma TV stolen. Or suppose there was a fire in your kitchen. You can’t assume your landlord will pay for the damage.

With renters insurance, you’ll be able to replace what’s damaged or stolen. It covers your possessions against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and water damage from plumbing. However, renters insurance does not cover floods, earthquakes or routine wear and tear. Separate policies are available for this coverage.

Renters Insurance will cover loss of use, including increases in living expenses due to fire or other insured losses. If you cannot live in your home due to damage from one of the perils mentioned above, your policy will pay for your temporary lodging away from home while repairs are under way.

Liability coverage protects you from injuries or damages to others caused by you, a member of your family, or pet. Medical payments insurance covers medical expenses to non-family members injured at your home.

Cash Value or Replacement Cost

There are two types of renters policies. Cash value coverage takes into account the age and condition of items at the time of damage or loss. You would be reimbursed for the value of the item minus depreciation. Replacement value pays the cost of buying an item of similar kind or quality today. The price of replacement cost coverage is about 10 percent more but is well worth the extra cost.

Decide How Much Insurance You Need

Add up the cost of everything you would want to replace if it were damaged or stolen. This could also serve as the basis for an inventory that will make filing a claim easier. For an inventory, also record model numbers, dates and places of purchase. Take photographs or make a video of these items and place a copy of the inventory in a safe place away from your home.

More About Motorhome Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Gateway Insurance) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Most insurance policies provide the following additional coverages, specifically for your 'home on wheels':

Total Loss Replacement – This coverage replaces a "totaled" RV with a new model of similar make and quality.

Replacement Cost Personal Effects – There are many valuable items kept in our '"home away from home," this coverage pays for the replacement of personal items in your RV that resulted from a covered loss, including cameras, cell phones, clothes, etc.

Full Timer's Package - This is an extra coverage for customers who use an RV as their home.

Vacation Liability – When you're parked at your vacation site, you may be liable for the surrounding area. This coverage pays for any Bodily Injury and Property Damage losses that could occur.

Emergency Vacation Expense – If your RV is damaged while you're on the road, this coverage will pay for hotel and transportation expenses due to a covered loss.

24-Hour Roadside Assistance - Assistance for disabled vehicles, and we'll be sure to send a tow truck that can handle the size of your RV.