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.

Insuring Dangerous Dog Breeds

Is Your Pooch Considered Dangerous?

Accidents involving dog bites cost the insurance industry over $350 million per year and are now the largest cause of Michigan homeowners insurance claims in the U.S. As a result, many breeds are considered “uninsurable” or may require heightened premiums.

Notoriously Dangerous Breeds

The following dog pedigrees are considered dangerous:

• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Husky
• Alaskan Malamute
• Wolf-dog Hybrid
• Chow Chow
• Doberman
• Saint Bernard
• Great Dane
• Doberman Pinscher
• Siberian Husky
• Akita
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boxer
• Perro de Presa Canario

Owner Responsibilities

It is difficult to determine how a dog’s breed will predict its disposition, much like it is hard to predict how nature versus nurture plays a role in the development of a child.

For the sake of your Michigan home insurance, you need to be involved in your dogs training and development.  You don’t want your choice of dog to be a hazard or risk. To minimize the risk that your dog will display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or humans, you must be a responsible pet owner and do the following:

• Restrain your dog with a strong leash when in public or fenced in while in the yard. The fence should be at least six to eight-feet tall, depending on your dog’s size.
• Socialize your dog as a puppy with other dogs and people. Take him/her to puppy classes starting at a young age, and praise your dog when he/she behaves well with others.
• Spay or neuter your dog, as 80 percent of all fatal attacks are caused by non-neutered male dogs. Fixing a dog alters its territorial instincts and aggression.
• Train the dog not to bite your hands, furniture, etc. If your dog starts to growl or chew on something, clap your hands loudly to distract him/her and then provide a toy for the dog to play with. Praise the dog when he/she chews on toys only.
• Give your dog lots of positive attention.
• Properly identify your dog with tags and a microchip.

Watch your dog’s behavior closely and contact your veterinarian if he/she exhibits any of the following behaviors: growling, snapping, biting family members, being aggressive towards strangers or showing signs of extreme fear. Your vet can refer you to a veterinary behavior specialist. While the dog is going through treatment, be extra cautious while in public and consider placing a basket muzzle over the dog’s mouth.

Michigan insurance can usually be obtained for most dogs; however, there are some limitations. If you own a breed that has been historically violent, you may have to pay an increased premium (even if your dog has not displayed any violent behavior). If your dog has passed obedience school tests, you may qualify for a premium discount.

Here are the Facts:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually, and around 17 percent of those victims need medical care. There are also 10 to 20 people who do not survive the attack. The CDC claims that dog bites are an “epidemic” in America.

To curb dog bites, some communities around the U.S. have banned certain dogs as pets, as they are perceived to be more dangerous or a have track record of violence. This specifically applies to Pit Bulls and Rottweilers.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent to find out if your dog is considered “safe.”

Even the Cutest Dog Has a Nasty Bite

A dog may be considered man’s best friend, but unfortunately dog bites do happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites accounted for $479 million in homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2011 in the United States. Of these claims, $7 million was paid out in Michigan home insurance claims.

Lessening Your Risk of Getting Bitten

• Never pet dogs without allowing them to smell you first.
• Do not approach a dog that you do not know.
• Do not turn your back to a dog and start to run away if you feel threatened, since their natural instinct is to chase and catch you.
• Avoid disturbing a sleeping or eating dog, as it may bite out of fear.
• Always leave dogs alone who are playing with toys or who are caring for their young.

Tips for Your Own Dog

Even if you think your dog is about as ferocious as Snoopy, it’s wise to minimize your risks, especially if it could result in a Michigan home insurance claim.

•  Spay or neuter your dog to reduce your dog’s desire to roam and become aggressive with other dogs, and consequently humans.
• Introduce your dog to various situations and people so that your pet will not be nervous in new social circumstances.
• Accompany your dog to training courses to learn how to respect humans and the rules you establish in your home.
• Teach your dog to act properly at all times. When the dog exhibits signs of aggression, even in a playful manner, put a stop to it. Your pet does not understand the difference between playtime and a real life attacking situation.
• Provide your dog with regularly veterinary care, vaccinations and licensing.
• Do not bring your dog into social situations if you are unsure how the pet will react. This will alleviate the chance that something could go wrong.

If you are in a situation in which you feel threatened by a dog, do not run away. Instead, do not look the dog in the eye and remain motionless with your hands at your sides. When the dog loses interest in what you are doing, slowly back away.

Should a dog try to bite you, place an object between you and the dog, such as a jacket or purse. If the dog forces you to the ground, curl up into a ball and cover your ears with your hands until someone comes to assist you.

Contact your Michigan insurance agent for more ways to keep your cuddly canine “on their leash.”