Alpha/Omega Coverage Corp

Manage the “Four C’s” of Winter Fire Risks

mikeaquino — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 21:31:25 +0000

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve—these holidays mean celebrations, many of them in decorated homes filled with merry-making family members and friends.

Trusted Choice^® independent insurance agents also know that the winter holidays bring greater-than-usual risks of fire in homes. The National Fire Protection Association reports that, over the course of a calendar year, the 10 worst days for fires in homes fall between December 24 and January 6.

Fortunately, these risks can be reduced with safe practices that address the “four Cs” of winter fires: chimneys, candles, Christmas trees and children.

Chimneys
Buildup or blockage within a chimney can catch fire. Chimney fires are unpredictable: they can be noisy and fierce, or can smolder undetected.

Common-sense tips:
• If you haven’t checked or cleaned the chimney in the past two years, don’t use it.
• Have a pro inspect the chimney for creosote (which is what builds up in a chimney and fuels a chimney fire)
• Use dry wood. This minimizes creosote buildup.
• Don’t burn wrapping paper, boxes, trash or Christmas trees.
• Don’t use liquid to start a chimney fire. Use kindling.

Remember fireplace basics, too: use a screen to contain sparks; and let ashes cool before disposing of them in a metal container.

Candles
Home-candle fires happen on Christmas Day more often than any other day, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Next worst: New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve. How do they start? Half of home-candle fires begin because an item is left near a lit candle. Four of 10 home candle fires start in bedrooms, with bedding, furniture, and curtains igniting.

Common-sense tips:
• Make sure all candles are out before you leave a room or go to bed.
• Keep clothing, curtains, furniture, and other flammable items away from candles and flame.
• Use candle holders that don’t tip over.

Christmas Trees
The National Fire Protection Association notes that 300 home fires start each year with Christmas trees. It’s not just live trees; artificial trees also burn. Three major reasons Christmas-tree fires start: electric malfunctions, heat too close to the tree, and children playing with matches, candles, or fireplaces.

Common-sense tips:
• Buy a cut tree that has green, fresh needles.
• Buy a fake tree that is fire resistant.
• Use a secure stand.
• Locate trees a minimum of three feet from heat sources such as fireplaces and radiators.
• Water live-cut trees every day.
• Use lights listed by an industrial laboratory. Link together, at most, only three strands of bulbs.
• Throw out lights that have frayed or broken cords.
• Pull the plug on lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• When a tree starts dropping needles, it’s time to dispose of it (outside, not in the house, garage or basement).

Children
Perhaps the most unpredictable risks for winter fire are those young people who are, naturally, exploring and experiencing the wonders of the winter world for the first time. Remember that lights and flames are fascinating to children.

Common-sense tips:
• Watch the wires. Keep kids away from light strands and power cords.
• Matches, candles, stoves and ovens often get extra use during the holidays, at a time when adults are occupied with cooking, cleaning and entertaining. Stop and ask: “What might draw a child’s curiosity in this house?” Then shield children from those items, physically and through discipline and direction.
• Put matches/lighters out of children’s reach. Use lighters that have a child-resistant safety feature.
• Train children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.

Trusted Choice^® independent insurance agents stand ready to assist consumers with a homeowners insurance claim. The best claim is no claim, though. Use these common-sense practices to prevent home fires.

Guide to Better Coverage

mikeaquino — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:29:01 +0000

Life changes. Has your coverage?

Whether you’re starting out, settling down, or retired, protecting what’s important—that’s what matters most. Our guide describes factors that can influence your insurance decisions, offers some coverages to consider, and leaves you with key questions to ask so you can find what’s right for you.

http://agents.travelers.com/AgentHQPublic/AgentHQJump.aspx?j=CTOOLS&pa=9991-50&p=URL_GtBC

Get a Life

mikeaquino — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:39:38 +0000

Whether by a diligent insurance agent, concerned spouse or family member, chances are you have been asked this question: “Do you have life insurance?”

For some, life insurance is easily obtained on a group plan as a workplace benefit. Those without this option must purchase life insurance individually on an open market. The life insurance marketplace is highly competitive and there are many products available for purchase. While the vast selection is a good thing for buyers, it can contribute to anxiety for those not sure which type of life insurance is best for them.

If you are shopping for life insurance for your family and are overwhelmed by all of the choices, the following brief descriptions of some of the more common options may be helpful.

Term Life. Term life is the most common type of life insurance policy. This type of insurance is simple: you pay a premium based on the number of years the policy will be in effect, such as 10 or 30 years. If you die before the specified age, a pre-determined sum of money called the “death benefit” will go to your beneficiary who can use it for a variety of reasons, including the cost of final expenses or to replace your lost income.

The death benefit is the sole function of a term life policy; it does not accumulate cash value. Term life provides the best opportunity for many individuals who are looking at life insurance for the death benefit rather than as an investment.

Cash Value. A cash value policy provides the opportunity to purchase term insurance in combination with a savings or investment account that can collect interest, be used for loans and other functions. Some options allow the policyholder a greater degree of control of the cash value. A cash value policy is an attractive option for someone who understands the importance of the death benefit but appreciates the opportunity to grow the policy’s value over time.

Whole Life. A primary function of this form of life insurance includes a low-risk cash value account that accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. The cost of the insurance is fixed and does not change, provided the premium is paid. The policy also allows the policy owner to withdraw funds from the cash value, although the death benefit is reduced if that is done.

Variable Life. A primary function of this form of life insurance includes a risk-basis cash value account that accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. You have the option to borrow from the policy. The death benefit could change depending on the level of returns produced by the cash value account.

Universal Life. A primary function of this form of life insurance includes a low-risk cash value account that accumulates on a tax-deferred basis. The cash value account earns current market rates of interest. The policyholder has the ability to borrow or withdraw from the policy. There is greater flexibility in the premium.

Universal Variable Life. This type of life insurance offers the policyholder greater flexibility and more options. For example, cash value options are tax-deferred. Separate accounts are available for investments the policyholder is interested in, such as stocks, bond funds, and other opportunities. The policyholder can withdraw or borrow against the policy. The fact that it is tied to securities gives this type of policy a greater opportunity to grow. Conversely, it may not be ideal for someone searching for a more low-risk conservative product.

Which is right for your family?

Does the opportunity to accumulate and utilize cash value over time interest you? If so, you can see that there are many options that allow you to do this. Some are low-risk; others have a greater risk-reward factor.

If you choose to separate investments and savings from life insurance, and if your primary concern is to provide a death benefit, then a term life policy is right for you. This is “pure insurance”—full coverage if death occurs before the designated term, no coverage if death occurs after. It’s simple but runs the risk of paying nothing if you out-live the term.

Too many options can create anxiety that could drive you away from purchasing life insurance. But consider that, while the number of choices can be daunting, life insurance is much too important to ignore. The good news is that you don’t have to go about the decision alone. Your Trusted Choice^® insurance professional can help. Your agent will help you collect the information you need to make an informed decision on what life insurance products are best for your family’s needs.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

mikeaquino — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:00:10 +0000

Plumbing and Drains

Know where the main water shut-offs in your home are located
Install water shut-off valves on water lines under sinks, toilets, tubs/showers, refrigerators with ice makers, washing machines, hot water tanks, boilers and outside faucets
Inspect plumbing pipes on a regular basis, look for kinks, leaks and corrosion
Respond quickly to small leaks around sinks, toilets tubs/showers, refrigerators with ice makers, washing machines, hot water tanks, boilers and outside faucets before they become major problems
Review your water bill carefully; a substantial increase could indicate a leak
Insulate pipes that are located in basements, attics and crawl spaces to avoid freezing
Disconnect outside water hoses in the fall and winter months; If left connected, water in the hoses can freeze and expand causing faucets and connecting pipes inside your home to freeze and break
If your home is equipped with interior shut-off valves leading to the outside faucets, close them and drain water from the lines to avoid freezing in the winter
Consider buying a water detector; This relatively new product, similar to a smoke detector, sounds an alarm when it detects a leak
Consider installing a floor drain when you have your washing machine, hot water tank or boiler located on the upper floors of your home

Sinks

Inspect plumbing under sinks every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valves
Ensure connections are secure
Install reinforced braided stainless steel hoses

Toilets

Inspect the supply line every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valve
Ensure connections are secure
Inspect the flushing mechanism inside the toilet every six months
After flushing a toilet remain in or near the bathroom to ensure the tank refills properly and does not overflow and/or continue running

Washing Machines

Inspect the supply lines every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valve
Ensure connections are secure
Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, or blisters that are commonly found near the hose connection
Replace rubber hoses with reinforced braided stainless steel hoses
Turn water supply off when not in use
Install a lever-type shut-off valve that is easy to operate
Do not operate when home is unoccupied

Refrigerator Icemakers

Inspect the supply lines every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valve
Ensure connections are secure
Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, or blisters that are commonly found near the hose connection
Install reinforced braided stainless steel hoses
Leave 3-4 inch space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall to prevent the hose from crimping

Showers and Tubs

Inspect the supply lines every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valve
Ensure connections are secure
Check the hoses for cracks, kinks, or blisters that are commonly found near the hose connection
Do not leave the room when filling the tub or running the shower

Water Heaters

Inspect the tank on a weekly basis for dripping or signs of rust and corrosion
Inspect the supply lines every six months
Locate and test the water shut-off valve
Write the installation date on the tank with a marker

Exterior Areas

Roof – Missing, worn or broken roofing materials may allow water to penetrate and deteriorate the roof structure. Inspect your roof periodically, especially after severe storms. Contact a licensed roofer for further evaluation and repairs.
Roof Flashing – Flashing is sheet metal located at the intersection of all roof and wall lines, as well as along chimneys and roof valleys. Flashing may separate from adjacent surfaces and allow water to leak inside. A licensed roofer can inspect these areas and make necessary repairs.
Ice Damming – If you live in a cold climate, ice may form under snow that accumulates on the roof and overhangs. This can cause water to backup and leak into your attic and home. To prevent this, be sure there is adequate ventilation in all attics and overhang areas.
Gutters/Downspouts – If you live in a wooded area, falling leaves may clog the gutters and lead to water backup that could damage your exterior siding. In late fall, have all gutters and downspouts cleared of leaves and debris.
Grade of Property – Soil should be graded from the foundation so that water flows away from the house during heavy rain or snow.
Window Wells – Check basement window wells to ensure that they are clear of leaves and other debris. Consider installing window well covers.
Windows/Doors – Inspect windows and exterior doors for proper caulking and weather stripping.
Exterior Paint/Siding – Periodically check for peeling and cracking.
Terraces/Balconies – Regularly inspect terraces and balconies. Old or inferior flashing at the intersection of an outdoor terrace or balcony, located above a living area with a vertical exterior wall, can cause water leakage during heavy rain or wind.
Exterior Drains – Regularly remove all leaves and other debris from exterior patio drains.

Transporting Kids to School Events

mikeaquino — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:16:47 +0000

As early as they start school, children become involved in extra-curricular activities. Adults charged with getting groups of kids from home or school to the ball field and back home again are usually more concerned with maintaining their sanity than auto insurance. However, hauling kids around could have a serious affect on your coverage.

In an auto accident, drivers can be legally liable for their passengers’ injuries. Most personal auto policies will extend coverage for injuries to passengers when driving your own car. But what if you rent or borrow a large van to take the soccer team out of town for a weekend tourney? While most auto policies will cover your actions in a car that isn’t yours, many contain restrictions on the size and type of vehicle they will cover.

School employees, such as teachers and coaches, who use their school’s vehicles to haul students and players from place to place have another reason to be concerned. In addition to possible size restrictions, there’s a concern with regular usage; specifically, your personal auto insurance policy may not pay for your liability from an accident in a vehicle that is not yours but is provided for your regular use. In addition to uncertainty with whether or not your policy will even respond, another serious concern is adequate limits of insurance. A serious injury to a single passenger could mean thousands of dollars in medical and other costs stemming from the injury, and those dollars increase with the more passengers that are involved. There are published accounts of accidents involving adults driving in a car pool in which damages greatly exceeded $1 million.

Yet, many adults continue to purchase auto liability limits based on the minimum required by state law. In some states, this required amount may be as little as $10,000 per person and $20,000 total for all injuries in an accident—not likely sufficient when you consider the severity of certain injuries and the number of passengers involved. Remember also that this limit applies for all injuries caused by an accident for which you are liable, including passengers of other cars.

Adults driving kids to athletic and other events should consider maintaining the highest liability limits possible, as well as a personal umbrella policy. The umbrella can provide much higher limits of liability, some well over $1 million.

Today’s drivers are faced with a multitude of distractions that pose a risk for accidents. Understanding your personal auto insurance could help bring at least a little peace of mind – talk to your Trusted Choice® insurance professional if you have any questions

Student Health Insurance 101

mikeaquino — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:58:21 +0000

From playing ultimate Frisbee in the rain to pulling all-nighters hopped up on nothing but a 12-pack of energy drinks, college students don’t always make the right decisions when it comes to their health. And breaking an arm during a mud-wrestling match can wipe out a student’s entire savings if he doesn’t have health insurance. That’s why it’s important to make sure your student has the proper coverage – whether it’s under your policy or their own – before heading off for college.

While most college students are covered under a parent’s health insurance policy, there are restrictions that apply once a student leaves the nest. For instance, some policies include territorial limitations that restrict coverage to the U.S. That means students studying or traveling abroad may need additional coverage.

Health insurance policies also used to include age and enrollment requirements but the new health care reform law allows children who are 26 years old or younger to remain on their parent’s policy — even if they’re not enrolled in college. An additional fee may apply, though. Students who don’t meet the requirements for coverage under a parent’s policy can get their own health insurance and should contact a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent for more information on coverage and policies.

College-bound students and their parents also need to be aware of some common misconceptions when it comes to health insurance and college. One of the biggest misunderstandings is that a college’s fee for student health insurance is a substitute for a full-coverage policy. Typically, this fee only covers visits to the student health center, so it’s important for students to have their own insurance or coverage under their parent’s policy. Some schools will waive or reduce this fee with evidence that a student is covered by their own insurance or a parent’s policy.

There can also be confusion about whether a college’s medical insurance covers injuries a student might sustain while playing a college sport. This varies by school and insurance policy, so be sure to contact the college to find out whose health insurance policy is responsible for covering a student athlete in the event of a serious injury.

Going away to college can be a chaotic and exciting time for students, which is why it’s important to talk to your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent now if you have questions about your insurance policy, what it covers, or if your student needs additional coverage. Don’t wait until you get a call from the hospital saying your son broke his wrist during a game of ping-pong gone wrong to find out if that cast is covered.

Insuring Your Student’s Home Away from Home

mikeaquino — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:50:19 +0000

When students go off to college they usually take their computers, TVs, stereo equipment, most of their wardrobe, and anything else that they can cram into the car. Whether they’re taking all their worldly possessions or just enough to get by, they’ll need insurance to cover the things in their dorm room or apartment. So before they take off for college, make sure they’re covered by your homeowner’s insurance or a separate renter’s policy.

Students living in dorm rooms are typically covered by their parents’ homeowners policy if they are temporarily living at school and are younger than 24 years old. However possessions in a dorm room are considered “personal property located off premises” and most homeowners polices limit coverage to 10 percent of off-premises property. For example, if you have $80,000 in coverage for your home, your student’s dorm room is covered up to $8,000. If your student is taking a lot of pricey electronics and other valuable items to school, he or she may want to take out a separate renter’s insurance or property policy if the value of their belongings exceeds the coverage offered through the homeowner’s policy.

Renter’s insurance is a must if a student is living in an off-campus apartment. Most insurance companies consider students’ apartments permanent residences, which means a parent’s homeowners policy doesn’t apply. A landlord’s insurance also doesn’t cover a renter’s personal property. Renter’s insurance usually costs less than $250 a year for about $15,000 in coverage and covers the possessions in the unit in the event of a loss. It also protects the individual from liability if he or she causes damage to the rental unit.

Whether a student is living in a dorm or an apartment, it’s important to remind them to take precautions to keep their belongings safe. Encourage them to lock their doors if they leave their dorm or apartment. It takes a thief less than a minute to steal a laptop, purse, or other valuables from a room. Students also need to pay attention to their property if they host parties or have numerous guests.

If you have questions about your student’s insurance needs or you want to review your homeowner’s policy, your Trusted Choice® independent agent can help make sure your student has the right coverage for their home away from home.

3 Tips to Real Replacement Costs

mikeaquino — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:13:02 +0000

Insuring your home to its full replacement value is very important. What is replacement cost? It is the approximate cost to rebuild your home from scratch with materials of like kind and quality, not including the land. Understanding the difference between replacement cost and market value can help you avoid financial catastrophe after a natural catastrophe.

This article really helps to explain that difference as well as the benefits of insuring your home properly.

http://www.propertycasualty360.com/2011/07/06/3-tips-to-real-replacement-costs

Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage

mikeaquino — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:51:49 +0000

Follow the link below for a great, interactive guide that explains how much coverage and why it is important. It takes into consideration the age of your vehicle and the amount of assets you have.

If you are shopping around for auto insurance, this guide is a must!

http://agents.travelers.com/AgentHQPublic/AgentHQJump.aspx?j=CTOOLS&pa=9991-50&p=URL_BCB