Used Car Purchase Warning

If you are planning to buy a used car in the next three years, PLEASE request a carfax. Then, look to see it the vehicle was ever titled in Florida, Texas or Louisiana in 2017. If so, buyer beware. I, personally, would not buy the car. Also you can check unusual places for water lines, mold and dirt like the glove box, door jams, under the carpet, under the seats and in the trunk.

If I plan on driving into Mexico, do I need Mexican Insurance?

With my agency located in Arizona, I get this question asked to me frequently. My answer is always YES. Here are a few facts that support my answer.

• Most American auto insurance companies will cover you and your car within 75 miles of the US / Mexican border.
• To my knowledge, the Mexican government does not recognize any American insurance companies.
• If you have an accident in Mexico, you are considered guilty (at fault) until proven innocent.
• You can be thrown in jail and your vehicle impounded and sold.

Mexican auto insurance can be purchased at many US insurance companies and also at the border with Mexico. An example of full coverage (liability, property damage, collision, travelers aid, interpreter, and lawyer if needed is about $55 for a 4 day stay. A small price to pay for peace of mind.

Also, if you have a lien on your vehicle, some lien holders will not allow you to take your vehicle into Mexico. Please check with them before you plan a trip.

This is actual footage from an intersection in Mexico.

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Beware of strangers bearing gifts

Please beware of glass companies that offer you gift cards if they can repair your windshield. In the Phoenix area, there are some glass companies that are offering $100 gift cards if they can replace your windshield. But after the windshield is replaced, the gift cards are no where to be found. If you need your windshield repaired or replaced, please call your insurance agent for a referral to a reputable company.

Reducing tree damage

Falling trees and limbs cause millions of dollars in damage each year to homes, cars and downing power lines. Homeowners are a first line of defense, but often neglect taking their surroundings into consideration when trying to protect or prepare their property.

Potential problems that are easy to spot include:

·         Cracks in the trunk or major limbs

·         Hollow or decayed trees

·         Trees that look one-sided or lean significantly

·         Branches hanging over the house near the roof

·         Limbs in contact with power lines

Pruning and removal of diseased, damaged or dead plant parts can help to limit the spread of harmful insects and disease, and may help reduce future storm damage.

Tree care tips include:

·         Check local tree regulations prior to pruning or tree removal.

·         Avoid pruning branches flush to the trunk. Doing so removes not only the limb but some of the trunk wood, opening the plant to possible decay or insect damage.

·         Begin by making a cut part way through the bottom of any limb to be trimmed, a few inches from the trunk. Then cut through the limb just above the first cut. This ensures that when the limb falls, it will not tear off a long strip of bark on the way down

.

·         Finish by cutting off the few inches sticking out from the trunk. Leave the “branch collar,” (swollen area of trunk tissue that forms around the base of a branch) as this protects the main trunk from damage.

·         Cut off broken or torn limbs to avoid unnecessary bark stripping.

As always, please use your best judgment when doing any home maintenance and consult a professional as needed. Please contact me anytime with questions that you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

Four social media strategies to help deter burglaries

Although it is fun to share photos of your vacation or weekend plans on social media, advertising you are away from home may make you a victim of theft and burglary. Please consider taking the following precautions to ensure you find your house and belongings just as you left them when you return.

1.       Check your privacy settings. Make sure your posts are only being seen by certain “friends” or “followers.” Keep in mind that maintaining a “public” profile usually means the entire world can see your posts.

2.       Control how others can tag you. Even if you have strict security settings, friends may still be able to tag you in posts or photos – exposing you to potential security risks. Manage how others tag you in posts by checking your privacy settings. Decide who can see posts and photos that other people tag you in.

3.       Limit your connections. You likely have high school classmates, casual acquaintances and former colleagues who you have not spoken to in years taking up space in your social network. While social media is great for making big announcements, remember that everything you say may lead to an invasion of your privacy. Advertising your travel details or expensive purchases to all your connections is neither smart nor safe.

4.       Think twice before posting. Whether you’re “checking in” at your favorite restaurant or posting photos from the beach, once you put it on social media, you lose control. Be sure your check-ins are only shared with a select group of trusted friends rather than publicly displayed.

It is important to remember that there is no such thing as total social media privacy nowadays. People who use security settings on their accounts may be at risk of having their personal information shared with unintended audiences.

I hope you and your family find these tips helpful. Please contact me anytime with questions that you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

What is Liability Coverage?

If you cause an accident or someone is injured on your property, you could find yourself legally liable for the resulting expenses. Medical and legal bills can add up quickly. That's why it's a good idea to know what kind of liability coverage your insurance policies provide and what limits apply. Having the proper safeguards in place may help protect your own finances should the unexpected occur.

Liability coverage is typically offered as a component of a number of insurance policies, from auto to home to boat.
Here's a look at how liability coverage may help offer protection:

Auto Liability Coverage

Liability insurance is a standard component of most auto insurance policies and it's a required coverage in most states. Auto liability can help provide protection in two important ways. Bodily injury liability coverage may help protect you if you are found liable for someone else's medical bills or if you're sued after an accident. Property damage liability may help pay for damages you cause - for instance, you hit another car or crash into someone's home.

Homeowners Liability Coverage

Suppose, for instance, a guest slips and falls on your pool deck or a broken stair. If you're found liable for someone else's injury at your home, liability coverage may help cover related medical or legal expenses. This coverage is typically part of a standard homeowners insurance policy, though limits will apply.

Renters Liability Coverage

No one plans for a visitor to become injured, but it can happen. If a guest incurs medical bills from an accident at the home you're renting, liability coverage can help pay for related expenses if you are found legally responsible for the incident. Or if your young athlete accidentally throws a ball through a neighbor's window, liability protection may also help cover the expense of repairing the window

Condo Liability Coverage

Personal liability coverage, which usually comes with a standard condo insurance policy, can help provide protection if, for instance, you're found responsible after someone is injured in your unit. Most condo policies also offer family liability protection, which can help protect you if you're found responsible for someone's medical bills resulting from an accident in your home.

Boat Liability Coverage

Liability coverage on a boat insurance policy can help protect you from paying out of pocket if you're found responsible for someone else's injuries or damage to another person's property resulting from an accident you caused.

Motorcycle Liability Coverage

Liability coverage generally comes in two forms on a typical motorcycle insurance policy. Bodily injury liability coverage can help protect you if you're found responsible for someone else's medical expenses or if someone loses income as a result of a motorcycle accident you caused. Property damage liability coverage can help prevent you from paying out of pocket for repairs or replacement to someone else's vehicle or property if you're found at fault for an accident.

ATV Liability Coverage

As with many other types of liability protection, ATV liability insurance typically offers two kinds of coverage. Bodily injury coverage can help cover someone else's medical bills if they are injured in an accident you caused. Property damage coverage may help protect you from paying out of pocket if if you cause an accident that damages someone else's property while riding your ATV.

Landlord Liability Coverage

Landlords may not live in a property they own, but being the boss comes with certain responsibilities. For instance, suppose a tenant falls over a broken step. If you were found negligent in maintaining the property or failed to advise the tenant of a potential risk, you could be found financially responsible for medical expenses resulting from an injury.

Business Liability Coverage

Small business owners are exposed to risk in a number of ways, which is why many types of business liability insurance are offered. Depending on the policy, liability coverage may help provide protection if, for instance, someone is injured at the business, if a detective product causes someone harm or if an employee sues for discrimination.

Personal Umbrella Policy

While a typical insurance policy may come with some liability protection, limits will apply. That means the policyholder may still be exposed to out-of-pocket expenses in the event that they are found liable for someone else's loss and those expenses exceed what the policy covers. That's where a personal umbrella policy may help. An umbrella policy provides liability coverage beyond the limits of an underlying policy, helping provide greater protection against a potentially financially devastating judgment.

Monsoon 2017 Tips

As we enter monsoon season, here are some safety tips to remember.

• Flashlights - These are key "to haves" for both your residence and automobiles. The best flashlight to have is an LED. They are brighter and last longer. A good place to get a package of 3 or 4 would be at Costco, Home Depot or Lowes. You can purchase a package containing 3-4 LED flashlights for about $20.00. Keep one in your car and the remaining flashlights in your residence.
• Batteries - Whether you have batteries or not, it's time to get new ones. The best type of batteries to get are Alkalines. It does not matter where you get them, but I like either Duracell or Eveready. Buy just enough to use in your flashlights, not a mega package. This would also be a good time to replace your smoke detector batteries.
• Radio - I suggest getting a small weather/emergency radio that runs on batteries. This is so you can stay on top of any weather or other emergencies, incase the power is off in your area.
• Food and Water -  It's always good to have some caned food/soup and bottled water in your home just incase of loss of power or if you are unable to leave your home during a bad storm. Make sure you also have a manual can opener to open those cans of food.
• Candles and matches - In case of loss of power for and extended period of time, a small supply of candles and matches can come in handy.
• Refrigerator - Remember, things in your refrigerator can stay cold and or frozen for up to 24 hours. Just try to minimize the number of times you open and close the door. 
• Driving - If you don't have to, then don't. Driving in monsoon weather is very dangerous. If you are stuck in a dust storm, pull off and over to the far right of the roadway, place your car in park, turn off your lights, set your parking brake, keep your foot off the brake pedal and DO NOT put on your emergency lights. Once it is safe to drive, then proceed carefully.
• Outside objects - Secure any outside objects you might have. This includes, but is not limited to, lawn chairs, patio umbrellas, small plants, pool supplies and hanging objects like bells, flags and plants.

Please be prepared and safe.

Prom Night Safety: No Drinking and Driving

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for the U.S. In 2015, 2,333 teens in the U.S. ages 16-19 were killed – that means that six teens died every day from motor vehicle injuries.

In addition to talking to your teens about making responsible decisions, one of the most important issues to be addressed are the consequences of drinking and driving. Due to their inexperience on the road, teens are four times more likely to crash when compared to older drivers. Before your teen heads out to their prom, talk to them about driving safety and give them the tips below on how to have a safe, memorable and fun prom.

• 1.       Take Extra Care at Night – In addition to being able to see less at night, your depth perception and peripheral vision are also limited at night. You should remind your teen to take particular caution and to always buckle up, use their headlights and avoid any and all distractions.
• 2.       Put Down the Phone – Studies have shown that texting while driving increases the likelihood of an accident six fold compared to driving without distractions. In addition to slowing your teen’s reaction time and increasing their risk for an accident, texting while driving is actually illegal in many states.
• 3.       Driving Distractions – While cell phones can be distracting, one of the biggest distractions for a teen driver is conversing with other passengers in the car. While it is unrealistic to expect a group of teenagers to sit silently in a car, remind your teen that they should be responsible and focus on the road before engaging in a conversation.
• 4.       Alcohol and Driving – It is important to remind your teen about the dangers of drinking and driving – even after just one drink – and instruct them on what to do if they suspect their driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• 5.       In Case of an Emergency – While everyone knows to call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency, you should also provide your teen instructions on what to do in case their car breaks down or they get into an accident. Consider watching Allstate’s video series on what to do in an unexpected car-related emergency. 

It is important to discuss your teen’s plans and agenda – who they are going with and where they are going after prom. Consider putting together a list of contact information for the parents of the other teens in their party. 

Tips for checking your tire pressure

Proper maintenance of your car can be important for its long life and safe operation. Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car, which means regular care and maintenance are crucial to the safe and reliable performance of your vehicle. Below are a few tips to follow when you are checking your tire pressure.

When should I check my tire pressure? Tire pressure should be checked once a month, especially when the tires are cold. You may also want to consider checking your tire pressure more frequently in the following instances:

• ·         If you run over a sharp object, like a nail, that can puncture the rubber.
• ·         If you strike a curb or other object.
• ·         If the weather suddenly changes from warm to cold.

How do I check my tire pressure?

1.       Remove the cap from the air valve of the tire by unscrewing it and press the tire gauge against the open valve stem – you will hear a hiss of air (this is normal)

2.       Read the air pressure gauge. The number will appear on the dial or digital screen on the tire gauge. Compare this number with the recommended tire pressure, found on the driver’s side door jamb

3.       Add air or let some out based on the recommendation

4.       Replace the tire’s air valve cap by screwing it on clockwise

Safer driving tips

Here are some tips to safer driving in Arizona.

• Turn indicators come standard on all vehicles. Please use them at least 200 feet BEFORE you make a turn or change lanes.

• Posted speed limits are meant  to be the speed you should drive. If you want to drive BELOW the speed limit, please limit your driving to the right hand lane.

• A red 8 sided sign with the letters S.T.O.P. on it means come to a COMPLETE stop, yield to on coming traffic and then proceed. That does not mean slow down and then proceed.

• If you are on the freeway and you will be exiting soon, please get into the right lane at least 2 miles BEFORE you want to exit, not 25 feet before you want to exit.

• PLEASE do not text or talk on your hand phone while driving. Your life and mine are to precious for you to take that risk. If you have to talk or text, pull off the road where it is safer.

• Driving is a PRIVILEGE, not a right. Common courtesy and patients will make your driving more enjoyable and safer.

• If you are driving with younger children in your car, REMEMBER, they will pick up YOUR driving habits. So drive safely and teach them proper driving techniques.

• ALWAYS BUCKLE UP.

• DRIVE DEFENSIVELY, NOT AGGRESSIVELY

Purple Purse - Help a local domestic abuse center

The Harris Agency, Inc. is partnering with New Life Center, whose mission is “Saving Lives, Building Futures…Empowering Women and Children Escaping Domestic Violence.” We’d love your help to support women and children who often arrive at the shelter with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

My agency will collect new and gently used clothing and household items April 3-14 at

14144 N 100th St, Suite B-115
Centennial Marketplace

 Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Needed items:
 

·                        Women’s clothing (all sizes)

·                        Children’s clothing (boy’s and girl’s all sizes)

·                        Teen’s clothing (boy’s and girl’s all sizes up to     age 18)

·                        Any new kitchen or household items

These items will make a huge impact for local families in need and will be donated to New Life Center.

Please help us by dropping off items in our office and spreading the word on social media!

We appreciate your support!!!!!!

Robert Harris - The Harris Agency, Inc.

After an accident, what is Diminished Value and why you should be concerned

(information provided by Collision Safety Consultants)

This will help you understand diminished value better.

Bottom line, if you are in an accident and you car is repaired, it is now worth less than prior to the accident and you should be compensated for that decrease in value.

Inherent Diminished Value:

The automatic loss in the vehicle market value from an accident and repair. A wrecked and repaired vehicle is worth less than a vehicle that has no wreck history. This is based on public awareness of such things as car fax, Auto Check , Title searching, and insurance reporting agencies. The simple fact that even if a vehicle is repaired to the best of human ability, it will still exhibit remaining deficiencies and inconsistencies from the pre-loss condition of the vehicle. These deficiencies include, but are not limited to:

• Weaker structural components that appear cosmetically sound
• Impossible to duplicate factory seams, sealers, and finishes
• Telltale signs of repair, such as paint missing off the heads of bolts
• The unavailability of some factory decals, and markings
• Undiscovered Kinetic damage throughout the vehicle
• The increased likelihood of a mechanical failure
• The effect that the repair will have on the future deployment of the SRS systems
• The impossibility of duplicating immersion rust-proofing techniques, etc.

Auto Theft and Your Car

Did you know that nearly half of all auto thefts are due to driver carelessness, such as leaving doors unlocked or leaving keys in the ignition? Although there may be little you can do to stop a determined thief, here are some tips you can consider to discourage thieves and make your vehicle as difficult to steal as possible.

Keep your vehicle locked at all times. When you park your car, even in your own driveway, roll your windows all the way up and lock the doors. Resist the temptation to leave windows cracked open during warm weather.

Always take your keys with you. Keep spare keys secure, never in your vehicle. Many people make the mistake of hiding a spare key in the wheel-well or a different place under their car for emergencies. The problem is, just like putting a spare house key under your doormat, criminals know all the hiding places.

Never leave your car running and unattended. This type of crime is especially prevalent at gas stations, ATMs and convenience stores. If you’re not behind the wheel, turn your vehicle off.

Keep personal items out of sight. Never leave valuables like a laptop computer, briefcase, purse, wallet or cellphone in plain sight. Leaving anything of value on display, even small change, is enough incentive for some people to break in. If you must leave valuables in your car, lock them securely in the trunk, lockable glove box or console.

Watch where you park. Parking in a well-lit area will help deter criminals. Thieves are less likely to target your vehicle if passersby or cameras can easily see them. At home, lock the garage and your car. If you use a parking garage, try to park near a security camera or attendant.

Invest in a vehicle security system. If your car doesn’t have an electronic engine immobilizer, consider having a professional install an approved system that disables the ignition and activate it every time you leave the car. Audible devices such as a horn alarm deter theft by emitting sound that calls attention to an unauthorized attempt to steal or enter your vehicle. Finally, consider a vehicle tracking and recovery system. If your car is stolen, it can be tracked and recovered using GPS, transmitter or similar technology.

You can’t stop every crime, but by following a few precautions, your car can become a less attractive target to would-be thieves. Please contact me with any questions that you may have – I’m here to help you manage the risks in your life and to provide you with trusted advice.

Top 10 changes you should let your insurance agent know

Here are some of the top 10 changes you should tell you insurance agent. These types of changes may effect your insurance coverage and you should contact your insurance agent A.S.A.P.

1) Have you recently become engaged, divorced or separated?

• in many cases, change in marital status may help you lower your annual premium
• in many cases, most companies offer multiple driver or multiple car discounts

2) Have you recently moved out of your home AND now renting it to others?

• in most cases, your coverage needs change if you are renting verses living in your home
• in most cases, you will need to change your policy to a Landlord policy to maintain coverage

3) Are you now living with someone in their home?

• in most cases, unless you are married to the person you are living with, your personal property is not covered under their homeowner's policy
• you will need to get a Renter's policy to cover your personal property

4) Have you taken a renter into your home?

• in most cases, your renter's personal property is NOT covered under your home policy
• in most cases, your renter will need to get their own Renter's policy

5) Are their adult children (over the age of 18) in your home?

• Many insurance companies require adults 18 years old and over to be listed as a named insured on your policy in order for their personal property to be covered in case of a claim

6) Have you added a swimming pool to your property?

• it is a good idea that if you have a swimming pool on your property, you should carry at least $300,000 in liability coverage
• it is a great idea that if you have a swimming pool on your property, you should have some type of barrier (swimming pool fence) for the safety of little children

7) Are you now driving for Uber of Lyft?

• many insurance companies require you to notify them if you drive for Uber or Lyft

8) Is their a new driver in your household?

• Most insurance companies require that ALL licensed drivers in your household MUST be on your auto insurance policy IF they do not have their own auto insurance coverage

9) Have you recently changed your address, phone number or email address?

• Unless you notify your agent of these types of changes, they will be unable to contact you if there is a problem with your policy or coverage

10) Have you recently purchased, leased or eliminated a car from your household?

• Most insurance companies give you an automatic 15 to 30 days of coverage on a new car you have purchased but after that, you will have NO COVERAGE

What is scheduled personal property and why is it important



What is Scheduled Personal Property?

While personal property coverage is an important part of your homeowners insurance, it's a good idea to take a close look at your policy to understand what this coverage can help protect. You may find that an additional coverage, known as scheduled personal property, can help provide greater protection for some of your most valued belongings.

To properly protect your belongings, you should understand a little more about the differences between the two types of coverages.

Is Standard Personal Property Insurance Enough?

While a standard homeowners policy typically provides coverage for your personal property, it usually sets a dollar limit on how much it'll pay for certain categories of valuables like jewelry (sometimes there's even a per-item limit).

For instance, there may be a $1,500 sub-limit on what your insurance will pay for jewelry after a loss — even though your overall personal property limit may cap out somewhere between 50 percent and 70 percent of the amount of insurance on your home (based on Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates).

So, if you were to file a claim for a piece of jewelry worth $500, you'd probably be in good shape. But if your loss is for a piece of jewelry valued at $2,500, you would likely only be covered up to the $1,500 sub-limit (assuming, of course, that it's a loss covered by your policy).

Scheduled Personal Property Can Help

That's where scheduled personal property coverage comes in. It's an optional add-on to your homeowners insurance policy that increases the limits on specific high-value items for more protection.

Here are some belongings you might want to consider for scheduled personal property coverage:

• Jewelry and furs
• Art and antiques
• Stamp or coin collections
• Firearms
• Musical instruments
• Expensive cameras

To get the items scheduled, you typically need to provide your insurance company with a recent receipt or a professional appraisal.

The Benefits of Scheduling Valuables

Of course, scheduling your belongings will likely cost you more in premiums. But the III notes that scheduled property coverage may come with additional benefits:

• Broader protection. Scheduled personal property may be covered for additional risks, including accidental loss (like dropping your wedding ring down the drain), which typically isn't something covered by a standard homeowners policy.
• No deductible. When you have a claim on an item that you have scheduled, you're usually not required to pay a deductible. That may not be the case for other belongings that fall under the protection of personal property coverage on your standard policy.

Because the value of certain items like antiques or collectibles can go up and down over time, the III suggests getting regular appraisals done to make sure you're purchasing the protection for your valuables — coverage that's not too high, not too low — that you actually need.

What you need to know about Automobile Recalls

In 2015, automakers issued recalls for more than 51 million vehicles in nearly 900 campaigns according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many recalls are related to a known safety issue, so please take recall notices seriously and take your car in for the necessary service. A minor fix could make a major difference in safety and performance of your car.

How do I know if car is subject to a recall?

The NHTSA maintains a current database of auto recalls. To learn if your vehicle has been recalled, click here and simply enter the vehicle’s year, make and model in the selection of boxes. You can also search using your 17-digit Vehicle Information Number (VIN). VIN plates are attached to the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle and visible through the windshield. It is also printed on a sticker inside of the driver’s door or doorframe.

What should I do if I receive a recall notice?

In the event of a recall, vehicle owners will receive a notice in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer or the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. Oftentimes the official notice comes a few weeks or months after the recall was issued, so that the manufacturer has time to notify its dealers of recall procedures and ensure the availability of repair parts. The notice will provide you with recall specifics and instructions to schedule your vehicle for service. Typically you will need to take your car to a dealership and there is no charge for the recall service.

Save Repair Receipts

If you have a possible defect repaired, but your vehicle hasn’t been recalled, be sure to save your receipt and other service documents. If the vehicle is later recalled for that specific problem, you may be eligible for a reimbursement for repair expenses from the automaker.

Learn More about Recalls

You can learn more about the recall process and your rights and responsibilities as a vehicle owner by viewing this NHTSA publication.

Remember, if your vehicle is recalled, have the necessary repairs performed as quickly as possible. Failure to act could leave you and others unnecessarily vulnerable to a potential safety risk. Please contact me anytime with questions you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

Why state minimum auto insurance is not enough

The state minimum auto insurance limits in AZ are 15/30/10. That is $15,000 in coverage per person for injuries you cause to others / $30,000 in total coverage for injuries you cause to others per accident / $10,000 in property coverage for damage you cause to others car or property.

First lets talk about the $15,000 / $30,000 coverage. If you are at fault in an accident and injure the other party, the max your insurance will pay out for those injuries to other is $15,000 per person or $30,000 for all injured persons in that accident. These injuries are both short term and long term and can include ambulance costs (min $1000), visit to an emergency room, immediate treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, lost wages and other treatments. You are personally responsible for any costs above these amounts. Did you know that the difference between $15,000/$30,000 and $25,000/$50,000 averages only 10% of your liability costs for 40% more coverage?

The average claim in 2013 for bodily injury in a car accident was $15,443

The average property claim in 2013 was $3231

REMEMBER, THESE ARE AVERAGE 2013 NUMBERS, NOT 2017 NUMBERS

Now, lets talk about property damage. State minimum in AZ is $10,000 per accident. With all the new advancements in automobile technology, like sensors in the bumpers, xenon headlights, and crash avoidance technology in vehicles, $10,000 might not even cover a bumper and fender on one car, let alone a multiple car accident. Yes, you are then personally responsible for any amount over the $10,000. Did you know that the difference between $10,000 in coverage and $25,000 in coverage is less that $3.00 every 6 months?

Are drones covered under most personal insurance policies?

Under most homeowners/renters/condo policies, drones are protected from the following perils:

• fire
• theft
• lightning,
• smoke
• wind and hail
• explosion
• freezing of plumbing
• falling objects

However, they MUST be for personal use not business use. Check with your own insurance agent to verify that they are covered on your personal policy.

February is "National Insure Your Love Month"

The Gift Of Life Insurance

Flowers and candy are an easy way to say “I love you,” but sometimes it’s the less romantic gifts that let your loved ones know they come first. Life insurance is a great example: it’s a gift you purchase exclusively for those you love.

If your family depends on your income, if you have outstanding debts, or if you simply want your final expenses covered, consider life insurance.

February is National Insure Your Love Month. While a shiny new life insurance policy won’t replace a candlelit dinner, it can help provide your loved ones peace of mind today and financial protection for the future.

Are digital insurance ID cards valid in AZ

Are digital insurance cards on your cell phone valid proof of insurance in AZ? The answer, according to the AZ DMV, is YES.

Your life might someday depend on this free app for your cell phone.

And they say the best things in life aren't free.

I came across this free app about 18 months ago and truly believe EVERYONE should have it on their phone. It is called  ICE STANDARD ER 911 - IN CASE OF EMERGENCY and it allows you to put your emergency information on your phone's lock screen wallpaper, in case you are in an accident or have a medical emergency. Even if your phone is in the locked position, first responders are able to view your pertinent medical information

 On my phone, I have the following information:

• My name
• Blood type
• Emergency contacts name and numbers
• Health conditions
• Medications I take
• Allergies
• Medical insurance information
• Other info ( I list my doctor's name and phone number)

Pet's and hidden dangers

If you have a pet, it is likely you consider them to be a member of the family. We protect our human loved ones from danger, so it makes sense that we want to prevent any harm from coming to our animal loved ones as well. Take a look around your home to make sure that you are taking the right steps to help protect your pets.
Poisons – For cats and dogs, rodent poisons and insecticides are the most common source of poisoning. However, there are many others to keep in mind, including (but not limited to):

• Human medications – many can be toxic to your pet, such as ibuprofen, cold medicine and vitamins
• Antifreeze with ethylene glycol – this has a sweet taste and attracts animals, but can be deadly
• Certain plants – Lilies, mistletoe, azalea and hibiscus are just a few of the plants that can be harmful to your pet. For a more complete list, visit the Humane Society list

Around the House

• Birds are particularly sensitive to many household fumes, such as aerosol sprays, self-cleaning ovens and certain types of overheated cookware
• Open windows – cats have poor depth perception and can fall from an upper floor window, causing injury or even death. Open windows are also an easy escape route for a loose bird

Prevention Tips

• Keep an eye out – when you’re gardening, in the car, having a guest over, cleaning the house or doing any other activity, keep tabs on your pets
• Keep the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center hotline number near your phone (888-426-4435). It is available on a fee basis
• Keep your vet’s phone numbers (regular and after hours) handy as well

There are many more steps you can take to help prevent harm to your pet. Consider resources like the Humane Society or ASPCA websites for more information. 

Identity Theft Prevention

Now that the holidays are over and bills are arriving, it is an important time to review your credit card and bank statements, to make sure no mistakes appear and to be cautious about debt collectors calling about debts that do not belong to you. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these are all signs that you may be the victim of identity theft.
Here are some tips from the FTC that you can complete immediately to help in a situation where fraud is confirmed:

1. Order your credit reports – Order your credit report from one of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. Review them carefully for errors or signs of fraud.
   • Equifax® 1-800-525-6285
   • Experian® 1-888-397-3742
   • TransUnion® 1-800-680-7289
2. Flag your credit reports – Call one of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies and ask that they place a fraud alert on your credit report. The agency you call is then responsible for alerting the other two, and the initial alert is good for 90 days.
3. Create an identity theft report – File a complaint on the FTC website or by calling them at 1-877-438-4338. The completed complaint is called an FTC affidavit. Take the affidavit to the police department and file a police report. These two items comprise the identity theft report.

After completing the steps above, there are additional measures you can take that may help the situation:

1. Contact the issuers of your credit cards immediately – Prompt notice may help limit your liability.
2. Alert your bank(s) – If they have a process in place to do so, consider putting a fraud alert on your accounts.
3. Take steps to repair your credit – The FTC provides tips on things you can do to try to repair your credit after you have been the victim of fraud.

In the event that fraud is confirmed, Allstate’s Identity Theft Expense Coverage may be able to assist you with guidance and possible reimbursement of expenses. Regardless of whether you have this type of protection, finding out you are the victim of fraud is likely to create frustration, anger and worry. Being prepared and remaining vigilant are two good ways to help you fight it. Please contact me anytime with questions you may have regarding your coverage to ensure what matters to you is protected.

Renter's Insurance, do you really need it?

Many people are misinformed regarding the need for Renter's Insurance. If you rent an apartment, condo, or home, the owner of the property has insurance coverage protecting their property, their personal property (if any) and their liability (in case of a judgement against them or their property.

You, as the renter, have no coverage under the owner's insurance policy. That is why you need your own Renter's Insurance Policy. Most apartments and many homeowners require their renters to have their own Renter's policy with at least $100,000 in liability coverage. Their concern is only about LIABILITY COVERAGE in case of a lawsuit and judgement against themselves. YOU on the other hand as a renter, need to be concerned about the following:

• theft of your personal property
• damage to your property due to a fire, smoke, explosion, water
• liability if a guest is accidentally injured while on your property
• additional living expenses when a loss is covered and makes your residence uninhabitable

Renter's Insurance Policies are inexpensive, portable to other locations (if you move) and a requirement at most apartment complexes.