What is a Hurricane Deductible?

Weather, weather everywhere...what's going to happen next? I know what you are thinking...fires, rain, tornados, now earthquakes, and oh wait...here comes Irene...a hurricane. With so much going on, you might be asking am I covered? What is my deductible? How much damage do I have to have to put in a claim? The answer to all of this is...it depends. Comforting, I know.

Well with Irene knocking at our door like that unwanted relative you knew was coming but you hoped you could ignore, let me clarify a few things for you as far as insurance definitions go. Specifically speaking, the differences between a Hurricane deductible and a Wind deductible.

When Is Hurricane Season Anyway?

The Atlantic Hurricane season officially starts from July to October, but can range anywhere from June all the way through November. During this time, every costal state from Florida to Maine could potentially be affected by these named storms.

What is the Difference Between a Wind Deductible and a Hurricane Deductible?

Depending on the policy you have, there are two different kinds of deductibles.

1.) Hurricane Deductible - A Hurricane deductible is as it states, soley from damage from a Hurricane. Some companies use a specific "mile-per-hour" wind speed while others state that the Hurricane would have to be designated by the National Weather Service or the National Hurricane Center.

2.) Wind Deductible - A wind deductible is more stringent in that it applies to any wind damage, not specific to a Hurricane or a particular "mile-per-hour" wind.

How Do I Know What I Have and What the Triggers are?

For New York State, a Hurricane or wind deductible is mainly applicapable to the downstate counties - ie. Suffolk, Nassau, the five boroughs, Westchester, and sometimes Putnam, Rockland & Orange Counties. Check your policy or call your agent to be sure what the triggers are (ie. when these specific deductibles would apply) and what the % of your deductible is. For these deductibles, they are often higher than your main deductible. For example, if you have a $1000 deductible on your homeowners policy but you may have a 5% Hurricane deductible. Depending on the trigger the company sets, if you have a house valued at $500,000, your hurricane deductible would be $25,000 instead of your normal $1000. In some cases with certain companies you can "buy-back" coverage to lower your deductible. It is important to check your policy so that you are prepared as far as what your deductible would be and what the triggers are based on your carrier.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Hurricane deductibles as of 9/1/2009 by company can be viewed on the New York State Department of Insurance Web site at http://www.ins.state.ny.us/ in the Homeowners Resources Center under "Windstorm Deductibles".

If you are unsure of what your policy contains or when to put in a claim, contact your agent or your insurance company. They can review your coverages and make any changes necessary so that you are not only prepared, but are comfortable with the insurance you are purchasing.

For more tips on being prepared go to: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml

Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Shoulds Know About Motorcycles

1. 
   

   Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle - they ignore it (usually unintentionally)



2. 
   

   Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for motorcycles, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.




3. 
   

   Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.




4. 
   

   Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.




5. 
   

   Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.




6. 
   

   Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.




7. 
   

   Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.




8. 
   

   Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can't always stop "on a dime."




9. 
   

   When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle - see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.




10. 
    

    If a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive himself/herself.

Do I Have Any Control Over My Auto Insurance Rates?

In today’s market, where affordable personal auto insurance seems less and less available, you may wonder if there’s any way to control rising premiums. You’ve already taken one step by choosing an independent insurance agent, representing multiple companies, so we can give you the right insurance to fit your needs. Besides choosing the right insurance company, there are some other tips to help you control the rates you pay for auto insurance.

DRIVING RECORD
An operator’s driving history affects rates and could predict future claims activity. Obeying the rules of the road and driving defensively are your best ways to lower premiums.

TYPE OF VEHICLE
A major factor in the rating of the coverages that pay to repair your car is the type of vehicle you own. In assigning a rate, most insurance companies begin with the cost of the vehicle and the model year. Generally, the higher the cost of the vehicle and the newer it is, the higher the rate. However, further adjustments are made for the vehicle’s weight, body type, engine performance, actual loss experience from past years for that model, etc. We can give you a premium comparison for vehicles you are considering purchasing or leasing, which will give you some control over the cost of your insurance.

COVERAGE
Some people prefer to assume more of the risk of loss on their autos and save on premiums. It may make sense for you to remove coverages on older vehicles, or increase your deductibles on newer vehicles. A common rule of thumb is that for vehicles more than 10 years old, many do not cover them for other-than-collision (or comprehensive) or collision coverage (physical damage). However, to obtain glass coverage on a vehicle, you would have to maintain other-than-collision coverage.

USE AND RESIDENCE
Your employment opportunities and lifestyle most likely will dictate the kind of use your vehicles get and the location at which they are garaged—two things that impact your premiums. However, there is a way you can gain some control over the rating of your vehicles. You may want to consider driving the lowest-rated vehicle (for example, an older vehicle without physical damage coverage) for activities that have the highest rate for use (for example, business use or long-distance commuting to work).

PAYING ON TIME
Always pay your premiums on time. Issuing cancellations, processing late payments and then issuing reinstatements, add significant costs to the servicing of auto insurance policies. Some companies have a low tolerance for late payments under policies that are eligible for their preferred pricing.

YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Many insurance companies have established a link between a person’s credit history and that person’s probability of having a car accident. As strange as this may sound, there appears to be an objective basis for using credit analysis, known as insurance credit scores, to predict which policyholders will have greater-than-average loss experience or less-than-average loss experience. Managing your credit and your credit report will help to lower rates on your auto insurance.

DISCOUNTS
There are some standard discounts, such as those for taking a driver-training course or a defensive-driving course, qualifying as a good student, insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy, installing certain anti-theft devices and maintaining certain safety equipment (for example, passive restraints, anti-lock brakes or good student discounts). Some insurance companies have developed their own discounts for such things as buying your homeowners policy from the same company. Our agency would like you to take advantage of every discount that is available to you, so don’t hesitate to call us for a discount review.

FIGHTING FRAUD
Lawmakers are working on bills that would help prevent fraud. If you are concerned about your auto insurance costs, be sure to contact your state legislators and urge them to reach agreement on reforms to drive the cost down.

Information provided by Professional Insurance Agents of NY
"Your Professional Insurance Agent … We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying."

What To Do When Driving In Snow & Ice

The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

Don't go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Tips For Driving Safely On Icy Roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.

2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.

5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.

6. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

8. Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

9. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

What Do You Do If Your Rear Wheels Skid?

1. Take your foot off the accelerator.

2. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

3. If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.

4. If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.

5. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

What About If My Front Wheels Skid?

1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.

2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

What About If I Get Stuck?

1. Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

2. Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.

3. Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.

4. Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.

5. Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.

6. Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

Water, water, everywhere...

I’ve gone back and forth over the years with clients both for homeowners and business owners about the importance of Flood Insurance. Did you know that out of all of the types of “what-if’s” that can happen that water can do the most damage? You know this if your basement has ever filled with water, your water heater broke, or even if it has rained for days and there is no place for the rain to go. Just a few inches of water can cause tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars of damage and can be both emotionally & financially draining if you don’t have the proper coverage in place.

I know what you are thinking – “But I don’t live in a flood zone. My mortgage company doesn’t require it, so why should I have it?”

Here is why:

1.) Because a flood can occur anywhere and at anytime quickly without warning. This is the definition of what we call Flash Flooding. You know that rain that comes from nowhere & has no place to go…so it goes into your house and anyplace it can travel? That is Flash Flooding.

2.) Because there is no coverage for this type of loss on your homeowners insurance.

Flood Defined
The National Flood Insurance Program defines a flood 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 you property) from:

· Overflow of inland or tidal water

· Unusual or rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from ANY source

· Mudflow

· 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 as defined above. “

Is Flood Insurance Really Worth It?
Take in point this scenario: You live on .25 acres and so do your neighbors and your neighbor’s pool breaks and is now on yours and their property – you now have a flood. Why? Because this is considered by the NFIP “an unusual rapid accumulation of surface waters from ANY source with partial inundation of two or more properties.” So if you have flood coverage, you would be covered up to the limits of the policy, which you would discuss with your agent.

Ok. So How Much Can I Get & What Does It Cost Me?
You can purchase up to $250,000 on your home and up to $100,000 on contents. Businesses can purchase up to $500,000 through the NFIP. The cost of the Flood Insurance can vary based on if you live in a Flood Zone and on how much coverage you need. If you are curious, you should contact you agent.

Can I Get Flood Insurance Even If I’m Not In a Flood Zone?
Yes! Actually a flood – or flash floods can happen anywhere even if your not in a “flood zone.” The good news is that flood insurance for you, is less expensive than if you live in a flood zone.

How & When Can I Buy Flood Insurance?
You can purchase flood insurance at any time, whether you live in a flood zone or not, but be aware that in most cases, there is a 30-day waiting period unless your mortgage company is requiring it. Call your agent for more information on how you can purchase flood insurance and for more information. Or visit the FEMA Website which can also give you more information.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/fl_terms.shtm or visit http://www.floodsmart.gov

The Most Important Gear to Protect You on Your Motorcycle

If you own a motorcycle, one of the best parts about a nice day is going for a long ride. Whether it be by yourself or in a group, there is something about the wind in your face and its just you and the open road. But just you and the open road is exactly the reason why you have to take precautions to make sure you safe at the same time. Its also a reason why getting the right coverage can be more protection for you than your helmet and gear.

Its around this time, we get a lot of calls for motorcycle coverage. The customer calls us looking for coverage…cheap coverage. Cheap however, isn’t always saving you in the long run.

Did you know that in New York State Personal Injury Coverage doesn’t cover you on your motorcycle?
I know what you are thinking… “What? Wait a minute I see Personal Injury coverage on the quote you gave me.” Yes, there is PIP coverage for motorcycles which is required by New York State but it only applies to injured pedestrians. Not to you. Not to your passengers.

Your reply: “Ok. Well I have health insurance, so I don’t need that PIP coverage anyways." Wrong again. Unfortunately, if you are injured in a motorcycle accident where you are driving the motorcycle, your health insurance will not pick up the tab either.

Finally your reply: “Ok. Is there ANYTHING that will cover me if I wipe out on my bike?”
Yes. Actually with many companies, you can purchase voluntary coverage called Medical Payments. While sometimes this may not be as high as the limit on a personal auto policy, many companies offer coverage anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000 or higher in medical payments. This is what will cover you if you are injured on your motorcycle.

One last question: “What about my passengers who are on my bike with me?”
Your passenger would be covered under the passenger liability portion on your policy. Some companies include this directly with the Bodily Injury coverage on the liability of your policy. Other companies have this as an option. Make sure your agent includes this if it isn’t already included.

Things to Remember:
Besides protecting yourself with a helmet and the proper gear, make sure you double check your coverages before you head out to hit the open road this summer. Make sure your agent max’s out the coverage for you on your policy on your medical payments. If you are getting a quote and they are quoting you with multiple carriers find out what the maximum coverage each company offers. Be sure you know exactly what you are paying for. If you are unsure of the coverages, ask your agent to explain and review them with you so that you understand them. This is the only coverage to protect you on the open road. Know before you go, it can be just as important as a helmet.

Don’t Get Burned This Summer! Add an insurance review to your check list for this summer.

þ Sunglasses…check!

þ SPF 15…no…30….check!

þ Beach towel…check!

þ Bathing suit…check!

þ Book…check!

þ Extra Liability Insurance…chec…huh? what? Liability for the beach?

No. I didn’t stutter, I said extra liability. I know what you are thinking, “Amy, this is my time to take a vacation, relax, and to not worry about the details.”

But with more people on the road traveling to the beaches whether it be downstate, upstate or any state, you are going to run into more people, both figuratively & literally. Kids are out running around, across your property. You are out at the beach, camping or simply driving to your summer fun getaway, so while liability insurance or the proper coverage probably isn’t on your top priority list, it should be on your list of things to take with you before you go on vacation this summer. With more people comes more change of accidents or something happening. Nobody plans for an accident, that’s why its called one in the first place. But when it happens, the last thing you want to have to worry about is a claim gone wrong or not enough coverage. Not enough coverage is like getting rained out at the beach. Be prepared this summer. Make sure you have enough liability.

You want to be sure that if one of the neighborhood kids trips and gets hurt on you property you have enough liability. You want to be sure that if you were camping and an accident happened that you have enough medical payments or liability insurance to cover you wherever you are. You want to be sure that if you go on vacation, your home is covered properly. You want to be sure that if you got into a car accident, you have enough coverage, even if the other guy doesn’t.

I know you are thinking now, “Amy, I’m leaving in a few days for the beach. I don’t have time to do ALL of this!” That is what your agent is for. Ask them to sit down for an quick review of what you have to be sure you are carrying enough so that you don’t get burned this summer. It can take less than 20 minutes and can be well worth the time.

Not sure if you have enough? Email us for a free checklist to take the quiz. abryan@bryanagency.com

Have a Safe & Happy Summer!