Get a Handle on Hand Tool Safety

Everyone loves a good hand tool; it can get a simple job done easily, quickly and efficiently. Plus, it is easy to transport since it is compact and generally lightweight. Yet, many accidents occur when homeowners use hand tools because they are careless and assume that no major injuries can occur. You can’t have every household injury covered under your Michigan home insurance, so safety should always be your top priority. Well… the reality is to the contrary. Many people suffer eye injuries, puncture wounds, cuts, broken bones and contusions from using hand tools inappropriately.

Hand Tool Safety Recommendations

To avoid unnecessary accidents and injuries while using hand tools, consider these safety recommendations:

• Examine tools before each use to ensure that they are in good working order. If your tools appear damaged or broken, have them repaired or discard them before using.
• Use tools only for their intended purposes only.
• Do not force tools beyond their capacity.
• Use a vise to secure tools whenever possible.
• Never carry tools in your pockets; wear a tool belt instead.
• Ground hammerheads properly and do not use them if they have broken claws or handles.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and use the appropriate handles.
• Always wear protective equipment to shield your eyes, hands, ears and other body parts from danger. Consider wearing goggles or safety glasses, ear muffs or plugs and gloves depending on the task at hand.
• Sharpen, clean and oil tools as needed to keep them in good working condition. A little TLC goes a long way.

In addition to insuring your home, ensuring your safety and preventing losses are also top concerns. If you would like more home loss prevention or safety tips, please contact your agent.

Keep Pets Safe in an Emergency

Disasters can often strike without warning so proper preparation is always a must. Your Michigan home insurance provides the necessary coverage to replace damaged items in your home, but there is one thing that it definitely can’t replace… your pets. In addition to making the necessary preparations for you and your family, you must also consider what you will do with your pet(s). Making arrangements for your beloved furry friends ahead of time will save you the hassle and heartache of determining how and where to care for them if you must evacuate in an emergency.

Emergency Considerations for Pets

Before a disaster strikes:

• Contact hotels outside of your immediate area to learn about their policies concerning animals on the premises. Generate a list of pet-friendly places and keep this information with your emergency supply kit.
• Ask friends and relatives living outside of your immediate area to look after your pet if you must evacuate your home.
• Generate a list of veterinary care facilities located outside of your immediate area in case your pet needs medical attention.

When disaster strikes:

• Bring your pets indoors and get them under control. Place them on a leash or in a carrier immediately so that you can evacuate or seek shelter without having to worry about them acting out.
• Make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with a current rabies vaccination tag and ID tag. The ID tag should include your name, address and telephone number.
• Gather your disaster supply kit, which should include the following items:
  • § Leashes or harnesses
  • § Food and water bowls
  • § Extra food and water in plastic containers labeled with feeding instructions
  • § Litter box and scooper (for cats)
  • § Pet medication and instructions for administration
  • § Name, address and telephone number of your veterinarian
  • § Photos of your animals with you for identification purposes
  • § Contact information for a relative living out of the area
  • § Grooming supplies

If you can stay at home in the emergency, go to a safe area and stay together. Keep your animals in their carriers with you.

Establishing a thorough plan for caring for your pets before a disaster strikes is key. If you do not prepare ahead of time, you may have to resort to a public shelter in which animals are generally not allowed. Consequently, you may have to leave your pets at home to fend for themselves. This puts them at risk of starvation, being attacked by predators, drinking contaminated water or being hit by a vehicle. Take similar considerations for your pet that you would for family members and plan ahead!

Contact your Michigan home insurance agent for more ways to protect your home and your loved ones … even your pets.

Invest in Your Future – Invest Pre-Tax

Have you ever asked yourself, “Will I have enough saved up to fulfill my retirement dreams? Will Social Security be enough to sustain me?”  Unfortunately, the answer to the latter question is, probably not. Government assistance is not designed to sustain you through retirement, so you must be proactive in saving for your future. The good news for you is that with smart investing, you will be able to retire comfortably.   There are two things that you need to have in place before you decide to retire… 1) a solid 401(k) or IRA investment account and 2) a Michigan life insurance policy.

Pre-Tax Investing for a Sound Future

Retirement is expensive, plain and simple. Experts estimate that you will need 70 percent of your pre-retirement income (90 percent or more for lower earners) to maintain your standard of living when you stop working. It’s time to take charge of your financial future today. Here’s how to maximize pre-tax retirement savings:

• § Invest in your employer’s pre-tax savings plans, such as a 401(k). Contribute as much as you can and use the automatic deduction feature to place money into your retirement account at every pay period. Over time, compound interest and tax deferrals will make a huge difference in the amount you will accumulate.
• § Place your money into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). When you open an IRA, you have two options – a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. The tax treatment of your contributions and withdrawals will depend on which option you select. Also, the after-tax value of your withdrawal will depend on inflation and the type of IRA that you choose.
• § Avoid dipping into your retirement savings, as you will lose principal and interest and may lose tax benefits. If you change jobs, roll over your savings directly into an IRA or to your new employer’s pre-tax retirement plan.
• § Start saving early. The sooner you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Devise a savings plan, stick to it, and set goals for the future.
• § Put the maximum amount allowed into your employer-sponsored retirement accounts. If you cannot afford the maximum, try to contribute enough to maximize any employer matching funds. This is free money, so take advantage!
• § Study your investment choices carefully. The more you know about investing, the more likely you will choose wisely.
• § Learn as much as you can about your plan’s administrative fees, investment fees and services fees to avoid reducing the amount of your retirement benefits unnecessarily.

Investing pre-tax will benefit you right now and during retirement. For instance, if you are in the 20 percent tax bracket, your paycheck will only be reduced by 80¢ for every dollar that you invest. You will also not pay taxes on those contributions or earnings until you start to withdraw them.

Investing a predetermined amount on a regular basis through your company 401(k), a Roth IRA, etc. makes solid retirement sense. For more information, contact your agent to learn more about retirement and Michigan life insurance solutions that can help you prepare for your future.

Insuring Valuables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Protection for the Finer Things in Life

Your valuables are important to you – and insuring them is equally important to prevent serious loss in the event of damage or theft. Learn more about how you can protect the finer things in life with additional Michigan insurance coverage options, highlighted below.

Coverage Options

Standard homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policies include a limited amount of coverage for jewelry and other valuable items. However, many policies limit the dollar amount of coverage for the theft or loss due to a covered peril of such items. To properly protect certain types of valuables, additional coverage is available through a policy endorsement or floater.

Endorsements

Endorsements are additions to your homeowners, condominium or renters insurance policy that change or add to the policy’s provisions. The endorsement can cover property otherwise excluded from a basic Homeowners Insurance policy, extend the number of perils included, or increase the amount paid for a covered loss. The items of value are “scheduled” on a list that includes a brief description and the item’s dollar value.

To determine each item’s value, an appraisal or sales receipt is typically required. This will help ensure that, in the event of a covered loss, the amount of insurance is enough to cover the repair, replacement or cash payment of the item.  Items scheduled are typically not subject to the policy deductible.

Floaters

A separate personal articles floater policy may be used to schedule your valuable property that is subject to special limits under basic homeowner’s coverage.

Once you have an endorsement or floater, it is important to periodically review your policy’s coverage limits to minimize the likelihood of being underinsured due to outdated appraisals and inadequate limits of insurance.

The Cost of Coverage

The cost of coverage varies upon the item, but typically the fee is nominal. Our personal lines team of specialists can provide you with more information about coverage and an estimate for the cost of scheduling an item.

Why Should I Insure my Valuables?

The limited coverage provided in your homeowner’s policy may not be sufficient to cover your valuables in the event of a loss.

Adding an endorsement or floater policy to the coverage you have ensures that you’ll be reimbursed for these items.

Before a thief steals your possessions or precious jewelry becomes lost, call your agent to learn more about the affordable ways to protect the things you value most.

Stay Warm and Safe with Space Heaters

According to the National Fire Protection Association, supplemental heating equipment, such as space heaters, is the leading cause of home fires from December through February, and the second-leading cause of home fires year-round. Many Michigan home insurance claims were made due to improper use. If you plan on using a space heater for some additional warmth this winter, keep the following safety precautions in mind.

Space Heater Safety Tips

• Do not use space heaters to warm bedding, thaw pipes or dry clothing. Misusing a space heater can increase fire and burn risks, and put you and your family in danger.
• Select space heaters with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety mark. The UL mark signifies that the product was tested for potential safety hazards. Also, purchase units with automatic shut-off features and heating element guards.
• Keep any items that could potentially be a source of fire at least 3 feet away from a space heater. This includes clothing, drapes and bedding.
• Turn off space heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Supervise children and pets around space heaters to prevent burns.
• Check for frayed insulation, broken wires and overheating on electrical space heaters. If you notice any of these problems, have the unit serviced immediately.
• Use only fuel recommended by the manufacturer for liquid-fueled space heaters. The wrong fuel could burn hotter than the equipment can handle and could cause a fire. Also, turn off the heater and let it cool before refueling.
• Avoid using extension cords with space heaters. If you must do so, make sure that the cord is the right gauge size and type for the heater.

Avoid placing space heaters in high-traffic areas of your home. Units with long cords can present a tripping hazard.

Count on your agent for all your home matters, including Homeowners and Renters Insurance. Contact them for more information on our affordable coverage options.

Security Tips for Traveling Abroad

Many people enjoy traveling to learn about new and different cultures, history and traditions. As a result, many Americans seek out extreme adventures, with their destinations becoming more and more remote. As this type of travel increases, so does risk of kidnappings, muggings, hotel break-ins and other crimes around the globe. Knowing how to protect yourself is the first step in helping you, and your Michigan insurance policies, have a safe trip, too.

Health and Safety while Traveling Abroad  

• When possible, avoid using taxi cabs. Have your hotel’s concierge service book a driver or car service for you. If you must take a cab, do not provide information about your trip, its duration or its purpose to your driver.
• Place your luggage in the trunk of a cab by yourself after the driver gets out to open it for you.
  • When staying at a hotel, request a room on one of the lower floors, but not the first floor. Ground floors are the least secure, but floors above the sixth are too high for conventional fire equipment to service.
• Bring small door and window locks with you while traveling and use them in your hotel room.
• Do not give a limo company your last name to place on the placard when waiting at the airport; use a mutually agreed-upon code word.
• Bring a flashlight with you on your trip in case the power goes out.
• Always place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door and do not let anyone in, unless you know who they are from looking in the peep hole. When leaving your hotel room for the day, place the television on a local station and place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. This gives the impression that you are a native speaker staying in the room, and that you are in relaxing.
• Place plastic connectors on your luggage when you leave. Though this does not prevent someone from opening your bags, it can alert you that someone has tampered with your luggage.
• Do not stay in hotels with hard keys; only visit those with key cards. They are safer and are not passed around as easily.
• Dress to fit in with the locals. Do not wear expensive jewelry, trendy clothes or carry an expensive purse. Also do not advertise your nationality by wearing T-shirts with slogans.
• Register your travel plans with the State Department at www.travelregistration.state.gov. This will help the government contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if you are in need of assistance abroad.
• Sign your passport and fill in all the emergency information.
• Leave copies of your itinerary and passport with loved ones at home.
• Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws, as you are subject to them while traveling.
• Contact the U.S. Embassies and Consulates at http://travel.state.gov or by calling the Office of Overseas Citizen Services at 888- 407-4747 for assistance while you’re away.

Do not get distracted while you are site seeing. Many times, thieves will work together to distract you while others steal from you. At the same time, always keep a hand on your purse or wallet to make sure that it does not get swiped as you are taking everything in.

To protect yourself while you’re away, consider purchasing a Travel Insurance policy for a nominal fee. These policies provide medical, security and travel-related assistance for Americans abroad.

Is Gap Coverage Right for You?

Guaranteed Asset Protection, or Gap Insurance is an optional Michigan auto insurance coverage that helps you transfer the financial risk if you are involved in an auto accident and you owe more for your vehicle than the amount that it’s worth. This is referred to as being “upside-down.”

Car owners often assume that if their car is totaled, it will be replaced at the amount they paid, or at least the amount they owe. This is not always the case. Since a new car’s value drops significantly the minute it’s driven off the lot, if you are involved in an accident that totals your vehicle in the first few years you own your vehicle, you may find yourself owing the finance company more than the vehicle’s actual value. Gap Insurance provides for the “gap” between the two amounts.

Is Gap Insurance for everyone?

New vehicle financing options: If you took advantage of a zero-percent down payment deal or put a small amount of money down, or stretched the life of your loan past 3 years, Gap Insurance is most likely a good idea. That’s because the vehicle typically depreciates considerably faster than you have paid down the value on your vehicle’s loan.

Used vehicles: Gap Insurance is typically not available for used vehicles. To cover your risk, it’s wise to put down an ample down payment and finance the vehicle for the shortest possible timeframe.

Leased vehicles: For those who lease a vehicle, Gap Insurance is considered an essential coverage because typically there is no trade-in and little cash put down to lease the vehicle. Similar to purchasing a vehicle, if the car is a total loss, you will owe the difference between what you have paid and what you owe on the balance of the lease.

Cost versus benefit: Gap insurance is offered for a nominal fee, which makes it a great value for anyone who finances or leases a new car.

Top Ways to Save on Your Auto Premium:

• Consider raising your deductible
• Keep up your good driving record
• Drive less to qualify for a low-mileage discount
• Drive a car with safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, etc.
• Install an anti-theft device
• Ask about our multi-policy discounts

Avoid the Financial Risk

Since a new car’s value drops significantly the minute you drive it off the lot, if you are involved in an accident that totals your vehicle, you may find yourself owing the finance company more than your vehicle’s actual value.  Gap Insurance provides for the “gap” between the two amounts, guaranteeing that you don’t get hit by a big financial surprise, too.

Don’t Get Caught Upside-Down

Depending on your vehicle’s make, model and loan terms, we can help you determine if Gap Insurance is the right choice for you. If you’re purchasing a new vehicle, contact your Michigan auto insurance agent to learn about how Gap Insurance can complement your auto policy coverage options and keep you from getting caught upside-down!

Michigan Life Insurance Medical Exams

When applying for Life Insurance, you will probably have to undergo a medical exam to determine your premium. These exams are done in your home by paramedical healthcare professionals who are hired by the insurance company. In addition to the exams, you will also have to provide information about your medical and family history. Considering Michigan life insurance? Here’s what you can expect from a medical exam process:

Medical Exams 101

The insurance company hires a paramedical professional to complete a medical exam before issuing life insurance to identify any health conditions that may shorten your life. Most exams will occur at your home because the professional carries his/her own supplies.

You may also have to obtain an attending physician’s statement (APS) from your doctor, in addition to the exam. The cost of this entire process is covered by the insurance company.

The Medical Exam Process:

• Paramedical professional will gather your medical history, height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and potentially blood and/or urine samples. Additional tests will be ordered based on your age and the policy amount desired.
• Blood tests are used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens to the HIV virus, cholesterol and related lipids, liver and kidney disorders, diabetes, hepatitis, prostate antigens and immune disorders. Urine tests are used to detect the presence of nicotine, medications and illegal drugs.
• Exams do not include sensitive issues, such as breast or prostate exams.
• If there are any additional questions after the exam, you may be asked to submit more information.
• After the results are received by the insurance company, you will be given a risk rating: either flat or table for your medical history and conditions. For instance, an underwriter would give a flat rating to someone who just had surgery because the situation is temporary, and someone with high blood pressure would receive a table rating. In general, table ratings increase premiums because they are permanent or somewhat permanent conditions.

Plan Ahead:

Some things to consider before having a Michigan life insurance medical exam:

• Get a good night’s sleep the night before.
• Do not drink alcohol for at least eight hours prior to the exam.
• Avoid drinking coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages for at least an hour prior to the exam.
• Limit your intake of salt and high cholesterol foods for at least 24 hours prior to the exam.
• Do not engage in strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to the exam.

If you are considering a life insurance policy, give your Michigan insurance agent a call. They can walk you through the entire process and get you the best premium based on your health.

Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather! (It’s Never Too Early!)

In the winter months, we all need to take additional steps to protect ourselves from the cold – warmer clothes, a heavy coat, a hat, mittens, a scarf and boots with good traction for the snow. It’s also a good idea to protect your car during cold months by winterizing your vehicle before the beginning of the season and looks good to your Michigan auto insurance. This is essential, as cold temperatures make it difficult for engines to work properly, snow limits tire traction and salt causes rust and gravel pits on the exterior paint.

Car Winterizing Recommendations

Consider these car winterizing suggestions before the temperature drops:

• Place snow tires on your vehicle
  • Braking, accelerating and handling are tough with worn or high performance tires on slippery roads. Snow tires will increase traction and reduce your chances of slipping on slick surfaces.
• Check your tire pressure
  • Properly inflated tires ensure the best possible connection between your vehicle and the road, especially in slick conditions.
  • Cold temperatures cause tire air pressure to drop since gases contract when they’re cold.
• Check your four-wheel drive system for malfunctions
  • Check that your system engages and disengages properly and does not make any unusual noises when you start it. Also check the gear oil levels and transmission before temperatures get too cold.
• Change the oil in your engine and check the viscosity grade
  • Viscosity of oil – how thick it is – will change depending on its temperature. The colder oil is, the thicker it will become. Consequently, thick oil does not circulate through an engine as easily as thinner oil during start-up. To reduce the risk of problems with your engine oil, place thinner oil in your engine before the cold weather season.
• Have belts and hoses inspected
• Inspect wipers and refill wiper fluid
• Check your car battery
  • Extreme temperatures can cause your vehicle’s battery to operate at less than 50 percent. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested.
• Check the antifreeze mixture
  • The ideal mixture of antifreeze and water in your radiator is 50:50. If this ratio is off, your vehicle will not perform as well.
• Place a roadside emergency supply kit in your car

The winter may be hard on you: Dry skin, brittle hair and an increased risk of colds and the flu. It is also hard on your vehicle. Take the necessary steps to protect your car against the cold to ensure that it will last the entire season long!

Remember… try your best to avoid Michigan auto insurance claims and arrive at your destination safely. Contact your Michigan insurance agent today to learn more about how to protect your vehicle from the harsh winter conditions coming up.

Falling Got You Down at Home?

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job. As you age, the consequences of a bad fall can be quite serious, from broken bones to head injuries. Plus, having a fear of falling can be limiting. Your Michigan home insurance expects you to create a safe environment to help prevent these incidents from happening. Consider these factors to prevent falls in your home:

Fall Prevention Questions

Ask yourself the following to determine if you are at risk of falling in your home:

• Can you clearly see the outline of each step when descending? Avoid installing deep-pile carpeting or carpets with intense patterns on staircases.
• Are light switches installed on both the top and bottom of the staircases? If so, are they in proper working order?
• Do all of the staircases in your home have securely fastened handrails on both sides? They should extend beyond the top and bottom of the staircase and the ends should not turn inward.
• When walking up and down the stairs, do you wrap your hand completely around the railing? You should be able to, if the rail is rounded and is approximately one to two inches away from the wall.
• Are carpets and runners fastened securely to the floor?
• Are the stair surfaces even and flat, and free of metal strips or rubber mats?
• Is clutter removed from staircases?
• Are all of your staircases – and especially outdoors – free of holes, cracks or dips?

If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, then you’ve taken proactive measures to reduce your risk of falling on a staircase. The above situations are of the most common reasons reported as Michigan insurance claims. Prevention is key to avoiding a tumble.

If you do take a big tumble, here’s what you need to know:

• Call for help before trying to get up.
• Cover yourself with a blanket, coat or rug while waiting for help so you stay warm.
• Visit your doctor to assure that you have not sustained serious injuries.

Contact your Michigan home insurance agent for more tips on keeping you safe in your own home.