Early July's frequent and heavy rains reminded us of the potential problems in basements caused by excessive rain.
Damage resulting from water which backs up through sewers or drains or results from sump pump failure is covered by most homeowner policies up to a $5,000 limit. Higher limits are available and should be considered if you have a finished basement or have valuable furnishings there.
If your basement has a sump pump please remember to test it periodically. Also, during heavy rains when the system kicks on often be sure to check the float. They have a tendency to get stuck in a position which causes the system to fail.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your homeowner coverage.
Call the office at 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan or Ken.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
Central Ohio Residents: Important Water Damage Coverage Information
Central Ohio Residents!!! With the recent heavy and consistent rains we have been getting, you should be checking two important factors when it comes to your home.
1. CHECK THE FLOAT IN YOUR SUMP PUMP
- If the float gets stuck, your basement may be at risk for water damage.
2. CHECK THE COVERAGE AMOUNT FOR WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOMEOWNER POLICY
- A standard homeowner policy has a $5,000 coverage limit for basement water damage. If you have a finished basement with high value contents, you may want to raise your coverage limit. It is fairly cheap to raise it from $5,000 to $10,000.
Contact our office for more information. Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan or Ken.
1. CHECK THE FLOAT IN YOUR SUMP PUMP
- If the float gets stuck, your basement may be at risk for water damage.
2. CHECK THE COVERAGE AMOUNT FOR WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR HOMEOWNER POLICY
- A standard homeowner policy has a $5,000 coverage limit for basement water damage. If you have a finished basement with high value contents, you may want to raise your coverage limit. It is fairly cheap to raise it from $5,000 to $10,000.
Contact our office for more information. Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan or Ken.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Purchasing a Vacation Home? Do Your Homework
Are you considering the purchase of a vacation home or investment property in the Southeast or Gulf coasts? Before making an offer on coastal property, make sure you've done your homework regarding the insurance requirements and costs for such property.
Recent hurricanes and the probability of future events have caused significant problems regarding insurance availability and cost. Many insurance carriers are not writing new policies in these areas, and others have pulled out completely from southeast coastal areas.
Many of those still in business exclude wind-related damage which must be insured through state-subsidized wind insurance pools. These pools are underfunded despite the premiums being charged. The net effect of all this is resulting in exceptionally high property insurance costs in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.
Contact our offices if you have any questions about this topic or any insurance needs.
Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan.
Recent hurricanes and the probability of future events have caused significant problems regarding insurance availability and cost. Many insurance carriers are not writing new policies in these areas, and others have pulled out completely from southeast coastal areas.
Many of those still in business exclude wind-related damage which must be insured through state-subsidized wind insurance pools. These pools are underfunded despite the premiums being charged. The net effect of all this is resulting in exceptionally high property insurance costs in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida.
Contact our offices if you have any questions about this topic or any insurance needs.
Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Do You Work at Home?
Many people have offices in their homes or operate home-based businesses. They need to understand Homeowners policies' exclusions and limitations regarding business property and liability.
Homeowners policies usually exclude Liability coverage for claims resulting from the policyholder's business pursuits -- whether or not you have a business or office in your home. The policies also limit coverage for business property owned by the insured. Limits vary by company but are typically $2,500 at your residence and $500 for business property away form your premises.
Many people use personally owned laptop or tablets in their businesses. Laptops and tablets in cars are an easy target for thieves. Homeowners policies offer optional endorsements to address these issues.
Please contact our office to discuss this matter further.
Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
Homeowners policies usually exclude Liability coverage for claims resulting from the policyholder's business pursuits -- whether or not you have a business or office in your home. The policies also limit coverage for business property owned by the insured. Limits vary by company but are typically $2,500 at your residence and $500 for business property away form your premises.
Many people use personally owned laptop or tablets in their businesses. Laptops and tablets in cars are an easy target for thieves. Homeowners policies offer optional endorsements to address these issues.
Please contact our office to discuss this matter further.
Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Personal Liability Coverage and Household Employees
Many families employ domestic employees to perform household services. Examples include cooks, gardeners, housekeepers, and babysitters.
The Ohio Revised Code requires that workers' compensation coverage be provided in many cases. According to section 4123.01 of the code, "household workers who earn one hundred sixty dollars or more in cash in any calendar quarter from a single employer" are eligible for workers' compensation.
Further, your personal liability coverage from your homeowner policy excludes coverage for injury to any person eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
If you have any questions or concerns about this topic, please contact us or the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation at www.ohiobwc.com.
Call our office at 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
The Ohio Revised Code requires that workers' compensation coverage be provided in many cases. According to section 4123.01 of the code, "household workers who earn one hundred sixty dollars or more in cash in any calendar quarter from a single employer" are eligible for workers' compensation.
Further, your personal liability coverage from your homeowner policy excludes coverage for injury to any person eligible for workers' compensation benefits.
If you have any questions or concerns about this topic, please contact us or the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation at www.ohiobwc.com.
Call our office at 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Slander! Are You Covered?
Homeowner, Condominium, and Renters insurance policies include personal liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage claims against the insured. Common exclusions include auto and business related claims.
Internet usage on websites such as Facebook has resulted in increased liability claims against insureds alleging libel. If you have teenage children who are active online you may be at risk of a personal injury claim resulting from statements they make.
Not all homeowner policies automatically provide coverage for claims alleging libel, slander, or other types of defamation. This fits into Personal Injury coverage which can be added to most homeowner policies if not already included.
We encourage you to contact us to see if your policy includes coverage for Personal Injury claims.
Call our office at 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
Internet usage on websites such as Facebook has resulted in increased liability claims against insureds alleging libel. If you have teenage children who are active online you may be at risk of a personal injury claim resulting from statements they make.
Not all homeowner policies automatically provide coverage for claims alleging libel, slander, or other types of defamation. This fits into Personal Injury coverage which can be added to most homeowner policies if not already included.
We encourage you to contact us to see if your policy includes coverage for Personal Injury claims.
Call our office at 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
House Fire Prevention
Residential fires result from many causes. The most common of these are smoking, cooking, and electrical.
You might be surprised to learn that over 10,000 fires per year result from clothes dryers. Some are mechanical in nature or result from overheating of the oils.
Most dryer fires are easily preventable as they result from excessive lint accumulation. Lint screens should be cleaned frequently if not after each usage.
Dryer vents should also be cleaned periodically and possibly replaced. Wire bound vinyl flex pipe should not be used as it can collapse and cause blockages and is also flammable. Flexible metal piping is recommended by most manufacturers and fire safety experts. Also check your outside ventilation to eliminate blockages and lint accumulation.
Contact our office for more information. Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan.
You might be surprised to learn that over 10,000 fires per year result from clothes dryers. Some are mechanical in nature or result from overheating of the oils.
Most dryer fires are easily preventable as they result from excessive lint accumulation. Lint screens should be cleaned frequently if not after each usage.
Dryer vents should also be cleaned periodically and possibly replaced. Wire bound vinyl flex pipe should not be used as it can collapse and cause blockages and is also flammable. Flexible metal piping is recommended by most manufacturers and fire safety experts. Also check your outside ventilation to eliminate blockages and lint accumulation.
Contact our office for more information. Call 614-459-6500 and ask for Dan.
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