07/01/08

Take It Easy This Fourth of July
For nearly 20 years, the Fourth of July has proved to be the deadliest holiday on America's roads. Each year an average of 161 people die in motor vehicle crashes on Independence Day - 12 more than any other single day of the year, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Here are tips for staying safe over the Fourth and throughout the summer:

-Plan your trip. Try to avoid heavy traffic, poor weather and high-speed areas.
-Stay sober. Never drink and drive. Over 40 percent of holiday accidents are due to drunk driving.
-Pay attention. Avoid talking on cell phones, eating, drinking and other distractions.

For more information you can visit Insurance Institute For Highway Safety or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Have a safe holiday!
Posted by admin @ 13:45:36

06/19/08

Better Boating
Tips for Smooth Sailing This Season

The summer season is here, and it's time to do the things we've looked forward to all winter. If one of those things for you is boating, before you take that first pleasure cruise or fishing trip of the season, make sure your boat insurance is shipshape.

Insuring a boat is different than insuring a car or home. Boats require specialized cover-ages. To avoid a sinking feeling about your boat insurance, consider these tips from the experts at The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies:

Evaluate your specific needs. Some insurance companies provide no-frills boat coverage that is simply added to an existing auto or homeowners policy. While this sounds good in theory, the reality is that your boat may be best covered if you seek out a specialized policy just for boats, not an add-on to your car or house policy. A knowledgeable, independent insurance agent will review all options with you. A specialized boat policy can cover things not likely covered by a homeowners policy, like the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear and costly services, such as emergency on-water towing and fuel-spill cleanup.

Consult an agent or broker who provides the most options. Unlike “captive” agents who represent only one company, independent agents and brokers represent several. They can offer a variety of coverages, review and evaluate your policies, answer your questions and suggest new coverage options that meet your changing needs. They guide you to the policy that provides you with the best combination of specialized coverage, service and price.

Look for a company that offers specialized boat policies. When there’s a claim, you will appreciate a company that provides specialized coverage and specialized claims handling. Ask other boaters what company they recommend or find an independent insurance agent who under-stands boat policies.

Once you choose a policy, make sure you understand what you’re buying. Your agent should be able to explain, in layman’s terms, what the different options mean. If you are unclear about something, be sure to ask for an explanation.

For more information about boat insurance coverages, give us a call. We can provide you with the combination of price, coverage and service that’s right for you!


Posted by admin @ 15:16:23

05/02/08

Shedding Light On Car Insurance Savings
It can be easier than you think to put the brakes on high auto insurance rates – as an independent agency, The Weimer Group can help! We can review your policy and possibly help you find a variety of illuminating ways to save money. Here are some things you may want to consider:

• Ask us to check several companies’ rates. This is the single most important thing you can do to get the best possible rate—and we can do it for you quickly and easily. The difference between the highest and lowest rate available to you from different companies could vary by hundreds of dollars.

• Reduce or drop physical damage coverage on an older car. Depending on your car’s age and where you live, comprehensive and collision coverage may not be worth keeping. We can give you advice on whether it makes sense to reduce or drop this coverage altogether.

• Raise your deductible. According to the Insurance Information Institute, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15 to 30 percent. In addition, because the average driver files a collision claim only once every ten years, odds are that over the lifetime of your car, a higher deductible will save you money. We can show you how raising your deductible will lower your premium.

• Look for discounts. Many insurance companies reduce premiums for certain driver traits or car features. For example: being a homeowner for more than three years, nonsmoker, nondrinker, students with good grades, senior citizens who have taken an approved defensive driving course, people who only drive for pleasure, cars kept in garages, antilock brakes, antitheft devices, air bags, etc. Ask us to check.

Don't pay more than you have to. We're here to help you be a smart insurance consumer, working with you to make sure you: 1) have the coverage you need; 2) aren't paying for coverage you don't need; 3) aren't paying for duplicate coverage; and 4) are getting the best value for your dollar on all your insurance. Give us a call!


Posted by admin @ 12:51:07

04/18/08

Eight Tips To Gear Up For Motorcycle Season
To steer this riding season in the right direction, you’ll want to make sure your motorcycle—and your motorcycle insurance policy—are in good working order before hitting the open road.
While you should always check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines, here are some general tips for getting ready:
1. Change the oil and filter. Many manufacturers recommend changing the oil and filter before storing a bike for any extended period of time and again when you bring it back out for riding season. Be sure to first start up the motor-cycle to warm the engine and then shut it off before changing the oil and filter.
2. Check the belt or chain. Make sure it is set to the manufacturer’s recommended tension. And if you have a chain, lubricate it.
3. Check nuts and bolts. Start off the riding season with a solid bike. Make sure everything is tight. “A well-maintained motorcycle not only assures a fun time, it can save you money by avoiding accidents, which helps to keep your insurance rates down,” says Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies.
4. Inspect tires. Look for any damage and also make sure each tire is inflated to the correct pressure. You’ve only got two tires, so for maximum stability it is very important to avoid underinflation as well as overinflation.
5. Look for fluid leaks. The easiest way to check for this is to look at the floor under the motorcycle. Leaking oil or brake, radiator or clutch fluid can cause their own special problems. For example, being low on brake fluid could make it hard to stop your motorcycle. You don’t want to find that out after you’re already on the road.
6. Check all lights. Make sure headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are all functioning properly.
7. Brush up on your riding skills. Find a safe place to practice riding skills such as fast stops, figure eights, U-turns, etc., so you’re ready for the season. You’ll be glad you did.
8. Update your policy. Perhaps one of the most important things you can do at the start of the season is review your insurance coverage to be certain you, and your bike, are covered. Talk to us for a free review of your policy.

Independent agents represent many companies and they can help you to understand the coverages you need. As an independent agent, The Weimer Group can also help you find the combination of price and service that’s right for you. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, call us at 215-723-9805, 215-257-9171, or toll-free at 1-877-2WEIMER (293-4637).


Posted by admin @ 14:30:56

04/09/08

Are You Prepared For The Long-Term?
Few of us want to consider the possibility of needing special care at some point in our lives. But the reality is that as the baby-boomer population ages and people live longer due to advances in medical care, more and more of us will require special help in caring for ourselves at some point. Long-term care services can be very expensive. Without long-term care insurance to help meet the cost of needed long-term care services, you run the risk of depleting a lifetime of savings. With long-term care insurance, you're in a better financial position to make the choice of what long-term care services you receive and where you receive them.

To encourage more persons to plan ahead for long-term care, Pennsylvania recently announced their participation in the Long Term Care Partnership (LTCP) Program. The LTCP program empowers individuals to plan for and finance for future long-term care while reducing the financial strain on the Medicaid Program.

The Pennsylvania LTCP Program is a cooperative effort between private LTC insurers and Medicaid designed to encourage individuals to plan ahead and provide for their long term health needs. The LTCP Program benefits an individual by allowing the individual to retain resources in an amount equal to the insurance benefits paid under a qualified LTCP insurance policy that they would normally be required to spend on long-term care. If the individual needs assistance in paying for long-term care and applies for Medicaid, resources protected under Medicaid and Estate Recovery are equivalent to the amount of LTC benefits paid under a qualified LTCP policy.

And the cost for LTC insurance may not be as high as you expect, particularly if purchased at "younger" ages. For more details on this program and fitting this particular piece of protection into your overall financial and asset protection plan, please give us a call at 215-723-9805 or toll-free at 1-877-293-4637 and ask for Dean Wimmer. He'll be happy to provide you with more information.
Posted by admin @ 19:26:54

02/14/08

The Weimer Group Receives Erie Elite Agency Award
For the second consecutive year, The Weimer Group has received the Samuel P. Black Private Passenger Auto Elite award from the Erie Insurance Group. This award recognizes the top 10 performers in outstanding achievements in private passenger auto insurance production and profitability over three consecutive years. The Weimer Group received this award as one of the 10 best from over 7,200 independent agents companywide.

The owners of The Weimer Group, David Beck and Dean Wimmer, attribute this award to their knowledgable and caring staff. Their expertise in the field of insurance and their interest in the welfare of each client is the reason The Weimer Group is recognized as an award-winning insurance agency.

For your free, no-obligation review and quote of your insurance program, whether it's personal insurance or business insurance, please call one of our offices.
Posted by admin @ 15:30:56

01/30/08

Umbrellas Aren't Just For Rain
Most Americans view auto insurance as necessary to protect against the costs of a car accident. Likewise, it’s common knowledge that homeowners insurance helps families rebuild their lives and homes. An “umbrella” policy is not as well known, but anyone who owns a home or any assets should consider buying it.

Umbrella liability insurance covers you in many situations if you are held responsible for bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury. The product got its name because it adds a higher level of protection above auto, homeowners and boat policies, which are “primary” policies. Umbrella coverage kicks in after primary insurance is exhausted. What’s more, an umbrella policy offers primary coverage for losses not covered by other insurance.

Typically, insurance agents sell an umbrella policy in conjunction with auto and homeowners coverage. You can usually add $1 million-plus of liability insurance for a few hundred dollars per year, and a multiple-policy discounts often can be had. One tactic insurance pros suggest: raise deductibles on auto and homeowners policies, and use the premium savings to pay for umbrella coverage.

What does primary insurance pay for? Liability insurance under auto and homeowners policies pays expenses (for example, an injured person’s medical care, rehabilitation and lost wages) because the policyholder was at fault through negligent actions. Liability coverage also pays for costs of defending against a claim or lawsuit.

It’s common for a driver, vehicle owner, homeowner, or boat operator/owner to be held responsible for someone else’s injuries, property damage, lost wage and/or expenses. An at-fault driver also can be held liable for personal injury (which is distinct from bodily injury), including psychological injury such as “pain and suffering.”

What does umbrella coverage do? The umbrella is a shield to protect an individual from having to tap into savings or sell assets to pay a judgment or claim. The umbrella policy keeps the hands of the claimant from the personal, family and business assets of the negligent person.

Intoxicated drivers leaving a party at your home, dog bites, and the neighbor kid falling off the trampoline– these incidents can cause financial losses. Even lending a friend a ski house or lake house for the weekend can create a claim. A tree in your yard that blows over in a storm and crushes the neighbor’s car is another example. A home-based business that requires visitors to come to your house may create a loss that’s excluded from homeowners coverage.
But all these incidents may cause bodily injury, personal injury and loss of wages. These losses might exceed (or be excluded from) primary insurance limits and coverages.

Who should consider an umbrella policy? Most homeowners should consider an umbrella, but especially those active in community affairs. Serving in civic, charitable, and religious organizations can lead to conflicts, claims, and even lawsuits. Even if a lawsuit is thrown out of court, you still must defend yourself. Umbrella liability coverage picks up these costs, whether or not a person is actually found to be liable. Defense costs generally are covered in addition to the liability limits of the umbrella policy.

Conversely, a person might face a damaging situation such as a false arrest or imprisonment, defamation, invasion of privacy, wrongful entry, eviction or malicious prosecution. Most will want to defend themselves, but will face legal and other costs to do so. Homeowners coverage won’t cover it; umbrella coverage can.

For more information on how an umbrella policy can benefit you, please call our office.
Posted by admin @ 17:06:49

01/16/08

The Weimer Group Appointed To Represent Grange Insurance

We're pleased to announce that our agency has been appointed by Grange Insurance as one of their independent agent representatives in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In late 2007, Grange expanded operations into the state of Pennsylvania, offering personal auto insurance, homeowner's insurance, personal umbrella policies, commercial auto insurance, and life insurance.

Grange Insurance is based in Columbus Ohio and began operations in 1935. Now doing business in 13 states, Grange has grown to become a $1 billion insurance provider, leading the way in "Ease of Doing Business" when it comes to insurance.

To learn more about Grange Insurance, click here, then give us a call for your free review and rate quote. You'll be glad you did!
Posted by admin @ 09:37:58

12/28/07

Resolve to Make Your Home More Safe This New Year
Home safety should be a year-round priority. However, for many of us, good intentions are as far as we get when it comes to making our homes as safe as possible. Here are five suggestions for homeowners who want to make their homes safer — none require a new product, but all call for simple practices that you'd be wise to make a habit of.

1. Test those smoke alarms, and do so monthly from now on. Create and practice an emergency fire escape plan with your family. The majority of deaths from home fires are from smoke inhalation, so early warning and evacuation are critical.
2. Walk through your home and identify places where trips and falls are likely — loose rugs and wires, poorly lit staircases, and clutter on the floor are common culprits. Remember that falls are the leading cause of injuries at home; taking time to eliminate hazards will go a long way to making your family safer, especially if your household includes children or older adults.
3. Be honest about how safe your children are from poisoning. Are all your medications out of reach, or in a locked cabinet? Are household chemicals and cleaners inaccessible to children? Is the Poison Control hot line number posted conspicuously near your telephone?
4. Evaluate your kitchen habits. Do you always stay in the room while the stove is on? Do you remember to turn pot handles to the back of the stove? Do you keep hot beverages and dishes off tablecloths, so that children can't pull them down and scald themselves? Safe practices in the kitchen could go a long way to preventing some of the quarter-million injuries from burns and scalds each year.
5. Institute practices that will keep your family safer from drowning. Do you never, ever, leave a child unattended in the tub, not even for a second? Do you always keep the gate to your backyard pool locked? Do you keep toddlers away from all sources of water, including buckets and toilets?

Resolve to take a few moments now to evaluate the safety of your home. Happy New Year!

Posted by admin @ 11:37:05

11/29/07

Avoid Hazards Related to Holiday Decorating
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning consumers that holiday decorations such as candles and Christmas trees, while adding to the festive mood of the season, can result in fires, injury, and death if not used properly.

For safety tips to follow while you decorate this holiday season, please click here.

Be sure to click on Resources, then Links on the menu bar to the left for more websites that can provide you with safety information you can use. Also visit our online newsletters, also found under Resources, for a variety of insurance and safety newsletters which are frequently updated.

Make this a safe and happy holiday season!
Posted by admin @ 17:24:06

08/01/07

Safeguard Your Home While You're Away
August is here, and vacation season is in full swing. The last thing you want to do on vacation is worry about the safety of your home. The Weimer Group provides these suggestions to offer peace of mind and help safeguard your home:

First things first - lock it up
-Lock and fasten all doors and windows, including those within an attached garage. For added security, insert a nail or a screw into the frame of lower-level windows above the closed pane to prevent them from being lifted.
-Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track.

Create an "at home" appearance
-Leave a locked vehicle in the driveway or let a neighbor park their vehicle in your driveway.
-Never leave a greeting on your answering machine saying you are out of town.
-Inside, use timers to turn lamps, radios and televisions on and off at regular intervals. Timers can be purchased at most hardware stores or home centers.
-Outside, keep the perimeter of your home well lit by installing low-voltage outdoor lighting.
-Have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail or newspapers, or arrange for delivery of these items to be stopped while you're away. If you are planning an extended vacation, arrange for someone to mow your lawn.
-Do not close drapes; leave them in their usual position.

Take special precautions
-Trim trees and shrubs near any point of entry to your home.
-Install motion sensitive lighting outdoors.
-Lower the volume on the telephone ringer so unanswered rings cannot be heard.
-Hide cash, jewelry or important papers in a safe deposit box. Do not leave valuable items in the bedroom (that's the first place a thief will look).
-Make sure valuable items inside your home are not visible from the street.

Be sure to add these items to your list of things to do before leaving on that vacation - then go and have fun!

Posted by admin @ 15:52:06

06/12/07

How Well Do You Know Your Policy?
A large percentage of homeowners are in the dark about their insurance policies, according to a new study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Here are a few common misperceptions about coverage:

1: Flooding not included
About 33 percent of policy holders still think flood damage is covered by a standard homeowners or property and liability policy, according to the study. To get flood insurance you need to get it through the government. Here's your first move: Go to floodsmart.gov. You'll be able to gauge your risk of flood and get price estimates for your home. If you live in a flood zone, you don't want to be without this coverage.

2: Prevent mold
34 percent of homeowners think mold damage is covered. But mold, like rot and termite infestation, is generally not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. There is no separate mold policy you can buy. But there are steps you can do to minimize your risk. Keep the humidity level in your home between 30 percent and 60 percent by using air conditioners or dehumidifiers. Put exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. And don't install carpets in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms.

3: Sewer backups are your responsibility
37 percent of homeowners think damages from a sewer line break on their property that connects to their sewer system are covered. But homeowners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house and the pipeline between the city sanitary sewer main, usually located under the street, and the building.

4: Get earthquake coverage
Just like flooding, Earthquake coverage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy. You can get coverage from private insurance companies. Deductibles can range anywhere from 2 percent to 20 percent of the replacement value of the structure. Although earthquakes aren't the first thing you think of in Southeastern Pennsylvania, they can and do happen here!

5: Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
We just want to mention one more misconception: the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost. 12 percent of people surveyed didn't know which kind of coverage they had. Remember, actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents AFTER depreciation.
Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages without deducting for depreciation. An actual cash value payout could be thousands of dollars lower than a benefit calculated at the replacement cost according to the NAIC.

If you have questions about your homeowner's insurance policy, please call our office to speak to one of our agents. Making sure you have the right coverage before you need it will take only minutes now, and could save hours and hours of aggrevation later!
Posted by admin @ 13:44:13

05/09/07

Playing Hardball - Protect Your Home from Hail Damage
If a heavy storm drops hail, look out. You may not immediately think of hail as a danger to your car or home, but each hailstone can shred roof coverings, scar automotive finishes and lead to water damage.

Hailstones that reach about 1.5 inches in diameter, or the size of ping pong ball, may cause significant damage to cars, windows and siding. Some hailstones may reach up to 3 inches in diameter — about the size of a large apple — which is big enough to cause roof damage.

Knowing which roof coverings resist impact well can save you time and money. When building or re-roofing, the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends roofing products that have a Class 3 or 4 rating under the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2218 standard. The (UL) 2218 standard rates a roof covering’s resistance to impact. Keep in mind that while the UL 2218 standard is the best method to test impact resistance, it isn’t perfect and works better for some coverings than for others.

Building codes do not require roofs to be impact resistant, so you shouldn’t rely on codes or regulations. Be proactive and consult with your builder, roofing installer or insurance agent about which materials to use and additional steps you can take to help your roof covering stand up better against high wind.

If a hail storm is expected in your area, move inside immediately and stay there. Park your vehicles in a garage or under a car port. Keep away from skylights, doors and windows in case hail shatters the glass. Close your drapes, blinds or window shades to prevent wind from blowing broken glass inside.

For more information about things you can do to protect your home from hail damage, log onto Erie Insurance or visit the IBHS Website by clicking here.
Posted by admin @ 15:24:44

01/04/07

New Motor Vehicle Laws Take Effect This Month
With the new year comes some new laws that affect drivers in Pennsylvania. In December 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that a new law, effective January 29, 2007, requires motorists to turn on their headlights anytime their vehicle's wipers are in continuous or intermittent use due to weather or other atmospheric conditions such as fog or mist.

Motorists who do not comply with the law could face a fine of $25, but with fees and other associated costs, the penalty would approach $100.

In addition, a new law passed in May 2006 imposes heavy fines if snow or ice that falls from a motorists vehicle causes injury or death to other motorists or pedestrians. This is the first winter that this law is on the books.

"We’ve urged motorists to remove all ice and snow from their vehicles before traveling for years. Not only for their own safety, but for the safety of all motorists," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "We hope motorists will take this advice all the more seriously now that the new law is in place."

Act 37 of 2006 states that when snow or ice is dislodged or falls from a moving vehicle and strikes another vehicle or pedestrian causing death or serious bodily injury, the operator of the vehicle from which the snow or ice came is subject to a fine of $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

So far it's been a very mild winter with no snow or ice in the eastern part of the state. That's likely to change sometime before this winter is over. When it does, as a matter of common sense and for the safety of yourself and others, be sure to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before going out on the road.
Posted by admin @ 11:34:34

06/29/06

Floods Can Happen Anywhere, Anytime
This week's persistent rain in the Northeast has caused widespread flooding in many areas. While one never gets accustomed to the havoc and loss caused by a flood, some areas do experience these types of disasters more frequently than others. After this week though, one thing is certain - floods can happen anywhere, anytime.

In an effort to help those dealing with the reality of flooded property, here are some resources to help you prepare for and recover from a flood:

Most resources come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website:

-General information

-Before a flood

-During a flood

-After a flood

-Recovering from and coping with flood-damaged property

-Repairing your flooded home

For more consumer-oriented information on floods, whether you live in a flood-prone area, and the need for flood insurance, click here.
Posted by admin @ 20:12:21

05/11/06

Erie Offers Identity Recovery Coverage

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information like your Social Security number, driver's license number or bank information for personal gain. Often thieves will use this personal information to open new credit accounts, purchase vehicles, apply for loans, credit cards or rent dwellings all in your name without your knowledge or consent. Victims typically spend 60 hours and hundreds if not thousands of dollars restoring their identity after theft has occurred.

To help ease the cost and hassle when identity theft occurs, Erie has introduced a new coverage for their Home Protector and Mobile Home Protector policies. For only $20 a year, Erie's Identity Recovery Coverage will provide you with $25,000 of coverage to pay for expenses associated with restoring your identity such as ordering credit reports, obtaining a lawyer, making long-distance calls, and even lost wages (up to $200 per day, $5,000 total) if you have to miss work to attend court hearings or meet with creditors. In addition, and unique to Erie's product, they will also provide trained identity theft counselors who will walk you through the recovery process, free-of-charge, significantly reducing the time it would take you to restore your identity on your own. They'll do all the leg work for you!

For more information on this valuable coverage, or to add it to your policy, please contact our office to speak with your agent.

Posted by admin @ 14:31:41

04/17/06

Is That Small Car or Mini-van Safe?
With the cost of fuel continuing to skyrocket with no end in sight, many people are opting for smaller vehicles to save on fuel costs. And that makes sense. But don't sacrifice your or your family's safety by focusing solely on the mileage rating while car shopping. Don't forget about vehicle safety ratings.

Many people believe you can't have both fuel economy and passenger safety. While it's true that often times the larger vehicle "wins" in a crash, vehicle manufacturers are making good strides in combining small vehicles and mini-vans with good fuel economy and good safety ratings.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released it's recent crash test results for small cars and minivans. For all the latest information, visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website by clicking here. When checking vehicle crash test results, be sure to note whether the vehicles with the better ratings included optional safety equipment. On some vehicles, certain safety equipment such as side curtain airbags is standard equipment, while on other vehicles that may be optional equipment. To make sure you're getting the same vehicle that scored well in these or any other tests, note not only the model but also if it was tested with standard or optional equipment.
Posted by admin @ 19:03:27

04/03/06

Safety Starts With The Right Helmet
With spring here at last, millions of Americans are heading outside to enjoy their favorite sports activity. Many of these activities, such as biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding, can result in serious head injuries if the proper helmet isn't worn.

But proper protection doesn't come from just strapping on any helmet you find lying around your house. For maximum protection against the potential for head injury, you should match your helmet to your activity. In addition, the helmet must fit properly to prevent or minimize head injuries. A helmet should be both comfortable and snug. Be sure that it is level on your head, not tilted back on the top of the head or pulled too low over the forehead. It should not move in any direction when adjusted properly. Make sure the chin strap is securely buckled so the helmet doesn't move or fall off during a fall or collision.

While buying several helmets may sound like an expensive proposition, consider the cost of not wearing proper head protection. One visit to the emergency room will cost more than a helmet. If a head injury results in brain damage, the expense incurred for a lifetime of additional care could be catastrophic.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently published a new brochure titled "Which Helmet For Which Activity". This is a good resource for making sure you're head gear is matched to your activity. For an online version of this brochure, click here.
Posted by admin @ 14:18:35

09/01/05

Flood Insurance 101
In the aftermath of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, the subject of flood insurance is once again receiving much attention. Of all the policies available to cover your property, flood insurance is probably the least understood.

Flood Insurance Fast Facts: What is it?
Flood insurance covers the rising of flood waters from the ground. A flood is defined by FEMA as "A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (at least one of which is your property) from:

- Overflow of inland or tidal waters,

- Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or

- A mudflow.

[The] collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood."

Flood insurance does not cover broken pipes, or main breaks that may damage your home, unless "there is a general condition of flooding in the area and the flood is the proximate cause of the sewer or drain backup, sump pump discharge or overflow, or seepage of water." (FEMA) Damage to your home as a result of a flood is not covered by your homeowners insurance.

Why does my homeowner's insurance exclude floods?
The separation of flood insurance and homeowners insurance evolved after a number of waterfront communities were hit with major floods and were all insured by the same companies. The resulting claims caused catastrophic losses for the insurance industry.

The Federal Government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968 to "reduce future flood damage through community floodplain management ordinances, and provide protection for property owners against potential losses through an insurance mechanism that requires a premium to be paid for the protection" (from FEMA Web site). It is administered by FEMA.

What does it cover?
The maximum value you can get through the Federal program to rebuild the structure of your home in like kind and quality is $250,000. Private insurance companies providing flood insurance cover over and above that level.

The contents of the home damaged by a flood can be covered up to $100,000. This coverage is extra.

Renters can get flood insurance for their belongings up to $100,000.

Doesn't the government provide assistance after floods?
Some people think that they don't need flood insurance because they think the Federal Government will take care of their financial needs if a major flood occurs. This is not true. Federal disaster assistance is only available if the Federal government declares a disaster area. Even then, it is often given in the form of a loan, with interest.

You cannot buy Flood insurance last minute. The policy generally has to be in place for 30 days to take effect. Flood insurance terms last one year.

Can everyone get flood insurance?
Flood insurance isn't available everywhere. Its only available in communities where "the appropriate public body has adopted adequate floodplain management regulations for its flood-prone areas." The reason for this is noted above - the NFIP was created to reduce future flood damage through community floodplain management ordinances, not just to provide insurance for flood damaged property. Community participation is purely voluntary.

More facts about floods:
- In a high risk area, your home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage, compared to a 9 percent chance of fire.

- Roughly 25 percent of all claims paid by the NFIP are for policies in low- to moderate-risk communities.

- Every year, flooding causes more than $2 billion of property damage in the U.S.

- The average annual U.S. flood losses in the past 10 years ('94-'04) was $867 million per year.

- The NFIP awarded over $601 million in flood claims in 2003.

- Since 1969, the NFIP has paid $12.7 billion for flood insurance claims and related costs.

- About 4.5 million people currently hold flood insurance policies in more than 20,000 communities across the U.S.

- Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.

- Everyone lives in a flood zone.

- All claims and expenses of the NFIP program are funded by insurance premiums, not tax dollars.

- A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.

- Hurricanes, winter storms and snow melt are common (but often overlooked) causes of flooding. New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.


Posted by admin @ 16:07:40

03/29/05

The Weimer Group Designated Trusted Choice® Agency

The Weimer Group has become a designated Trusted Choice® agency, joining thousands of independent insurance agencies nationally committed to offering consumers a broad selection of insurance policies, companies and financial services, customization of coverages for home and business, and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® agencies are committed to providing clients with excellent customer service.

For more information on Trusted Choice® please click here.

Posted by admin @ 20:37:27