Insurance Insights ~ December 2000

Shopping with a Net

Now that we are at the peak of the holiday gift buying season, many people are using the Internet for last minute and hard to find gift shopping. More that $39 billion will be spent online for products in the year 2000, according to the International Mass Retailers Association (MRA). Since information on the Internet can be overwhelming, it’s smart to educate yourself about purchasing merchandise on the Web before logging on. Here are a few tips for web surfers to ensure smooth sailing in the sea of dot-coms.

When researching products, keep in mind that not all information on the Web is correct. Look for reputable sites with factual information. A good place to start is Internet business sites of well-known retailers. Most sites offer photos of products, description and pricing. Retailers nearly always offer visitors multiple-angle product views, cutting edge product information and third-party product reviews. Some companies even offer a "Compare" option, which makes it easier to compare items without opening new browser windows or switching back and forth between pages.

Once you have the factual information, find out what other people are saying about the products. News groups, chat rooms and Web boards are great ways to find out what other people think about scientific products. These sites can be informative and are a great way to get opinions from people who have already bought the product you are interested in. Remember to do your research first before asking for the opinions of others.

After you have researched the products of interest, its time to buy. Many sites offer customers help when ordering products. Most sites ask visitors to complete a customer profile/account before making purchases. The password-protected information is helpful to customers since the information is secure and available the next time a visitor wants to make a purchase from the site. Make sure your password is easy to remember. Many sites will offer a hint if you forget your password or send it to the email address you provided in the profile.

Once your profile/account is complete, you may order the products you selected. Most sites walk you through the checkout process. Always check the quantity of the products you are purchasing. Some sites offer customers different shipping options on their purchases.

After purchasing your items, be sure to hold onto the confirmation or e-mail message received from the company. It can help you track your purchase online or inquire if you have any other questions about your order.

If you decide to return your order, most sites require you to mail the product back to the retailer. Some of the larger retailers will let you return the merchandise ordered online to a store in your area if one exists.

As with all purchases, it is important to keep all documentation and check your next credit card statement to make sure the correct amount was credited to your account. Many sites have a smooth return process, and offer a toll-free customer service number for any inquiries on returns.

Researching and buying products over the Web continues to become a popular form of shopping. By being a smart Web shopper, you can save time and money.

When Disaster Strikes, Part 3: After the Flood

You’ve been evacuated from your property and you are now returning to the scene of your home that has been ravaged by a flood. Where do you start and how do you deal with the damage?

First immediately call the agent or company who handles your flood insurance policy. An adjuster will be assigned to inspect your property as soon as possible.

Prior to entering a building, check for structural damage. Make sure the building is not in danger of collapsing. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank. Call the utility company if you smell gas.

Watch for downed electrical wires. Make sure the main power switch is turned off. Do not turn on any lights or appliances until an electrician has checked the system for short circuits.

Take pictures of the damage to your building and contents. Refrigerators, sofas and other hard goods should be hosed off and kept for the adjuster’s inspection. The adjuster will make recommendations as to repair or disposal.

Shovel out mud while it is still moist. Special attention must also be paid to cleaning out heating ducts and plumbing systems.

Mildew can be removed from dry wood. A solution of 1 cup liquid chlorine bleach, in 1 gallon of water can clean mildew from dry wood.

Flooded basements should be drained and cleaned carefully. Structural damage will occur if water is pumped out too quickly. After the floodwaters around your property have subsided, begin draining the basement in stages, about one-third of the water volume each day.

Floodwaters affect a house in 3 ways:

1. The water damages materials. Wallboard will disintegrate if it stays wet too long; wood can swell, warp, or rot; electrical parts can short out, malfunction, and cause fires or shock.
2. Mud, silt, and unknown contaminants in the water not only get everything dirty; they are also unhealthy.
3. Dampness promotes the growth of mildew, a mold or fungus that can grow on everything.

For a detailed outline for drying out your home, the pamphlet Repairing Your Flooded Home can be obtained by contacting the American Red Cross.

INSURANCE INSIGHTS is an electronic newsletter published monthly (except for January and August) by G. C. Weimer Associates, Inc. Information contained herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief as of 12/1/2000. If you have a topic of interest for a future issue, e-mail us at info@gcwinsure.com.