Insuring A Trust

Insurance for a Trust account.  Be sure to involve a insurance professional to make sure all bases are covered.

Homeowner and other policies that protect private residences have, for most of their history, been written assuming that the property owner is an individual or married couple. Policies traditionally defined an “insured” or covered person as an individual, married couple or spouse of the individual listed on the policy. However such policies had to respond to a, formerly, rare form of home ownership….trusts.

Besides use as a residence, a home is also often a primary financial asset. As property owners become more sensitive and savvy in handling their finances, the use of trusts to pass on property has expanded. A trust refers to any asset that is controlled or owned by an artificial entity, the trust agreement. Typically, the property owner becomes the trustee, having rights to use the home as a residence, but the legal ownership resides in the trust. The trust allows for tangible property to be passed along to heirs with much more for favorable tax treatment. However, there are consequences that affect insurance coverage and which should not be ignored.

If your home or personal property (furniture, furnishings, etc.) have been transferred into a trust, it is important to share this information with your insurance agent. Then you both may take steps to make sure that the insurance needs of both the trust and the property-users are covered. It is particularly important that liability protection remains intact.

Depending upon the insurer, your homeowner, auto and umbrella policies may have to be modified so that the trust arrangement is specifically recognized and is protected by the policies. It may be that the policy wording already handles things by including trusts or trustees within the meaning of “insured.” In other instances, endorsements may have to be added to include the proper additional insurable interest so that property and liability coverage expands to protect the property held in trust and the trustees.

The existence of a trust means you need to get an insurance professional involved to make sure you can still trust the protection of your various insurance policies.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2016+6

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Ready to Ride? Not Without Insurance

If you need insurance for a Harley or any other bike in Kentucky, Call TruePoint at (502) 410-5089 or visit are website at www.insuringky.com
Need insurance for a Harley in Kentucky?

If you’re looking to buy motorcycle insurance, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you need guidance choosing your first plan, are looking to upgrade your existing one, or just have general questions, the agents at TruePoint Insurance in Fisherville, KY are happy to help! With decades of experience in the industry, the agents at TruePoint Insurance are extremely knowledgeable and prepared to answer your questions. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Know the Requirements: Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in Kentucky. Whether you just moved here or purchased a new bike, your motorcycle needs to be insured. Since rules and requirements vary by state, it’s important to know what is defined as a motorcycle in Kentucky. This includes the number of wheels on the vehicle, the size of the cylinder(s), etc. The agents at TruePoint Insurance have locations in Fisherville and Lawrenceburg, KY. If you’re a Biker in Kentucky, you will find them to be a valuable resource. Drop by either office and a TruePoint Insurance professional we help you pick the plan that is best for you and your bike while complying with state laws (1).

Kentucky's TruePoint Insurance has become one of the most trusted names ins motorcycle insurance.  Find out why other's  are placing their trust in TruePoint.
Call TruePoint for Kentucky Motorcycle Insurance

Meet the Minimum: In Kentucky, motorcyclists are required to carry (at a minimum) liability insurance (2). You will need additional coverage to protect the bike itself and for personal medical expenses (2). These options vary greatly and can include protection for damage not caused while on the road. The experienced agents at TruePoint Insurance will be able to explain these additional options to you.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected: Let’s face it – accidents happen. Purchasing insurance will give you peace of mind if you ever run into a bump in the road. Having served Kentucky motorcycle enthusiasts in the area for years, the agents at TruePoint Insurance know not only the basic requirements of motorcycle insurance but also the additional coverage that’s the most beneficial.

Don’t delay – call TruePoint Insurance for your perfect plan today!

Insurance – A Matter of Trust

What is insurance?  It's not a good or product.  Is it a service?  Some might consider insurance a service, but I personally see it as a promise.  A contractual promise that should only be entered into with trusted parties.
Insurance is not a product, nor is it a service. Insurance is a promise, a contractual promise that should be entered into with trusted parties.

Insurance policies involve trust. Insurance policies are written agreements that involve at least two parties. One is the insurance company that provides the applicable form of protection. The other is the party who is protected by the policy. These two parties have a contractual relationship with each other. The insurer agrees to protect the insured if the insured agrees to pay for the protection.

The trusting relationship begins before any policy is issued. Insurers want to provide policies to persons who meet their qualifications. Qualified persons are discovered by using applications. Besides collecting identifying information, applications also gather details that determine if a person is eligible for a given policy. The information also helps the insurer decide how much to charge for the coverage, what level of coverage it should agree to grant and the conditions for providing the protection.

The insured should also to be able to trust the insurer. He, she (or a business entity) has to rely on the company actually issuing the type of coverage it promises. The insured also trusts the company to pay for a loss (that is eligible under the coverage) and to handle any loss fairly and efficiently. Both parties must approach the contractual agreement honestly and fairly. The contract is affected if either party fails to act in good faith.

It is critical that you or someone you trust understands the details of your insurance policy.
Do you know the details of your insurance policy? Who does?

When an insurance company refuses to cover an eligible loss without a valid reason or when an insured refuses to pay for the policy; these are instances of breaking the contract. An insured may also break the contract if he or she either withheld information or intentionally supplied false information. Of course the information must involve some significant item that would have affected the company’s decision to accept the insured. Breaching a contract may allow an insured to sue a company for coverage or allow a company to void the policy it issued.

Whenever policies are not handled in good faith, there are consequences that impact more than just the two parties. Third parties, such as other businesses or persons, may also be harmed by insurance contracts that turn out to be invalid. Modern economies depend upon the role played by insurance contracts. It would be impossible to handle large transactions without a way to protect all parties against possible losses. Further, many parties would not even attempt certain types of transactions without the support of insurance, such as large building projects, major equipment sales, vehicle rentals and numerous other transactions.

Certainly there are many times when one party fails to handle their insurance obligations in good faith. However, such instances are the exception. Our economy and standard of living are made possible because most parties deal with each other honestly and we all benefit when that happens.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2016

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Preparing to buy your first Child Car Seat

Buy the right seat for your kid

Do you know the four stages or steps for car seats?  Rear-facing seats for newborns.  At 20 pounds a forward-facing Toddler seat is appropriate.   Step three, booster seats for age four or forty pounds.  The stage ends at age 8 unless the child reaches 4'9" beforehand.
Forward facing seats at 20 lbs or more

Many of us avoid or delay decision making. Especially if we are dealing with a new set of issues. Decision making can be extremely stressful.

It’s not surprising that first-time parents report elevated levels of stress and anxiety. In a relatively brief time period they will be expected to make a large number of often critical decesions.

Before you can take your newborn home you will have to decide which Child Safety Seat is right for your situation. The car seat is vital for your child’s safety! The child’s car seat comes down to your judgment and perceived importance of seat safety options, the seat integration to your vehicle, budget, and other factors relating to what best fits your family. Safety is obviously paramount, but you also have to consider Georgia Car Seat Laws. These laws have been designed with your child’s safety in mind and should provide valuable insights. Make sure you’re up to date with the car seat laws in your state and review your vehicle manual for proper fitting.

According to Georgia Consumer Protection:
The 4 Steps for kids car seats are:
1. Rear-Facing Infant Seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.
2. Forward-Facing Toddler Seats in the back seat from age one to about age four and 20 to 40 pounds.
3. Booster Seats in the back seat from about age four and 40 pounds to at least age eight, unless 4’9”.
4. Safety Belts at age eight or older, or taller than 4’9”. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

2020’s Top Rated Car Seats:

According to www.safety.com: (Updated April 16, 2020)

Bringing Home Your Newborn? You should consider the Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat.

Want a Child Car Seat that adapts to the changing needs? Look into the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-1 Infant to Toddler Car Seat. This seat can be used in any of the four different positions.

Still, driving a small car? There’s a child safety seat for you.  The Graco SlimFit 3-1 Convertible Car Seat is for those parents still fight to keep the choice of vehicle. Wait there’s more the SlimFit 3-1 is another Child Car Seat designed to adapt with your child growth. This seat has been designed for children between 5 and 100 pounds.

A Child Passenger Safety Technician can show you how to install or inspected this critical addition to your auto.

Need help installing your Child Safety Seat? Maybe you need the comfort of a second opinion. Regradless, the organizations listed below have provided a helping hand for new parents in the past. You may want to make a quick call beforehand. Below is a list of places you can call and schedule an appointment to have a Child Passenger Safety Technician show you how to install your car seat or have it inspected.

If there not old enough to be a backseat driver, then your sure don't want to count on them to take care of the child car sear.
I hate this seat belt. I can never get it fastened.

1. Georgia Child Occupant Safety Project:

Peachtree Street, NW
15th Floor
ATLANTA, GA 30303 (404) 657-2700

2. Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
Use the link below and then select your location from the provided map. This will provide information related to your local resources.

https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY

3. The National Child Passenger Safety Certification

Use this link for access to a national directory. In many cases, you will be provided multiple location options.

Non-Standard Auto Coverage

What is a non-standard driver.  They come in many forms and there are many reasons one might be classified as non-standard.  Risky, more accidents, tickets, and multiple accidents are just a few reasons.  The most common thread of non-standard drivers is that most pay significantly higher premiums.  Are you a non-standard driver?
Non-Standard Drivers come in many forms

Most properly licensed persons who drive cars (including vans, SUVs, hybrids, crossovers or pickup trucks) are eligible for policies designed for standard and preferred drivers. In the insurance world, standard and preferred refer to those who typically:

  • ·Drive vehicles that are relatively inexpensive to repair or replace
  • ·Do not use their cars for business
  • ·Have good driving habits
  • ·Do not suffer impairments that seriously affect their ability to drive
  • ·Do not rack up an inordinate amount of annual mileage
  • ·Have few accidents and/or traffic violation

Drivers who fall outside of the typical range of vehicle operators qualify as non-standard drivers.

Is you auto insurance breaking the bank?  If so you might have a non-standard auto insurance policy
Expensive Auto Insurance

Generally, non-standard drivers cause more losses so insurance companies may charge them substantially higher premiums or restrict the amount and type of coverage. Besides charging higher premiums, non-standard insurers often charge additional amounts for tickets and accidents. Limits are controlled by offering limits that match what is required by state laws or offering limits slightly higher than these minimums, but which are far less than what is provided by standard and preferred programs. Non-standard programs often are more restrictive, excluding coverage for situations such as special or custom vehicle features (stereo systems, custom wheels, special paint jobs, engine enhancements, etc.). These programs may also bar coverage for more situations, such as when a loss involves a car that the driver has either rented or borrowed.

Being classified as a non-standard driver is often a temporary situation that can change with the passage of time, such as newly licensed drivers, or drivers who had a period of several tickets or accidents. Other situations involve the opposite, where drivers may be re-classified because of having a medical impairment or who reach a very advanced age. Other reasons for re-classification may be due to the vehicle, such as operating a car that is too old to be written by standard insurers, as well as cars that are highly customized, are very expensive or are designed for higher performance.

There are a number of reasons why a driver’s only option is the non-standard market, including merely having a preference for a minimum amount of insurance protection. However, it is a market that provides full coverage (protecting against legal liability for causing loss to others and protecting against damage to one’s own vehicle), though the coverage is not as broad or economical as what is available from the standard market. Regardless, this market performs a critical role that permits a greater number of drivers and vehicles to get needed insurance protection.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Georgia Auto Dealers: The Dealer’s Blanket

Auto Dealers don’t have a big enough basement when a storm is bearing down.

What is a Dealer’s Blanket? It has nothing to do with auto dealer giveaways. The Dealer’s Blanket is a form of business insurance that provides physical damage coverage for Auto Dealers. You may have heard it referred to as Open Lot Insurance or Dealers Open Lot Insurance. Regardless of the name, this policy is essential protection for many car lots.

Consider your own car insurance. In many ways, the Dealer’s Blanket looks similar to your personal auto policy. The primary purpose of the policy is to provide protection against dealer loss. Specifically, losses resulting from comprehensive and collision protection. While there are many similarities, there are also some significant differences.

Personal Auto policies provide liability coverages. Liability coverage is not the purpose of the Dealer’s Blanket. It is a coverage that they have access to, but it is not provided by the Dealer’s Blanket. Liability protection for auto dealers is provided by the Garage Liability Policy.

Insurance companies require Georgia individuals to provide identification to insure their autos. We refer to this identification as a VIN or vehicle identification number. This serves two main purposes. First, it gives insurers a nearly fail-proof input for pricing their exposure as it relates to your specific vehicle.

While the VIN provides accurate information related to the vehicle’s replacement cost. What it fails to do is provide insights into the present condition of your vehicle. To address this shortcoming, you may even go as far as require you to provide a current photo of your car.

Individuals insure against comprehensive and collision risk. For the most, new and used car dealerships insure against the same. What differences exist?

If you're an auto dealer, is it important to have an insurance agent that specializes in Georgia car dealerships?  TruePoint Insurance in Pooler, GA.  (912) 330-1265
Auto Dealer insurance specialist in the Low Country and Georgia’s Coastal Empire

Auto Dealers in Georgia and other states use the Dealer’s Blanket to transfer comp and collision risks. What is the Dealer Blanket and why auto dealers need them?

Individuals are likely to have the same vehicle all year. Most will own vehicles for many years, some several decades. Used and new auto dealers can’t stay in business by holding on to cars for years or decades.

Successful auto dealerships turn their inventory several times each year. The average US Car Dealer’s inventory turnover is more than 13 times. A dealer with an average inventory of 50 cars would have 650 policy endorsements each year. Those policy changes would be required just to keep up with the new inventory vehicles. To avoid overpaying, they would also need 650 approvals to remove sold vehicles. That would present a serious problem! Making over four insurance transactions every business day seems inefficient. Creating issuers for both the dealer and the insurance company. With so many transactions, it’s also possible the process may put the dealership at risk. Failing to record just one transaction could end in a multimillion-dollar loss. Not a claim! Failure to record a newly purchased vehicle is a problem. the sale was never recorded on the books of the insurance company, the auto lot will be on the hook financially. How many Georgia auto dealers do you know that could serve such a substantial loss.

Let’s give the insurance companies some credit. Recording real-time vehicle information was throughout the policy year doesn’t work. With that said, how do Insurance companies keep track of Georgia Auto Dealer risk?

How to Auto dealers address comp and collision risk.?

Comp and collision is priced and transferred via the Dealer’s Blanket. How it’s done varies between insurance companies and between dealers. If you’re a Georgia car lot, you must understand how your risk and premiums are calculated. The insurance company can not be expected to know how your business changes. Often, the difference between good and bad insurance boils down to communications. Having a good a local Georgia insurance agent can go along way. This thought is easy If your one of those people that respect the value of local contacts.

Insurance markets can not totally eliminate risk. The only way to totally eliminate risk is to avoid it. For those in the business of selling vehicles, this is not an appealing option. The Dealer’s Blanket is a great way to transfer risk. But, it is critical that all parties are on the same page. Problems are largely dependant on establishing the necessary communication process. A critial first step is understanding the Dealer’s Blanket. Combined with accurately communicating auto inventories, car deals can significantly reduce financial exposures.


WARNING: Accurate Inventory Critical

Auto Dealers can easily protect their inventory. Calculating the required coverage can be sticky at times. Photo Credit attribution 1

There are two primary approaches to calculating dealer open lot premium:

Non-Reporting Forms – This method is most often used by smaller used car dealers. Georgia Car lots with inventories of $100,000 or less will in most cases use the Non-Reporting method. This may not necessarily be by their choice. Often the cost associated with the monthly reporting eliminates dealers with smaller inventories.

At the beginning of each policy period, the dealer must declare a coverage amount. CAUTION REQUIRED! When a loss occurs, and a claim is submitted, the insurance company will most likely review and calculate the dealer’s inventory. If it is higher than the declared amount, THERE COULD BE A PROBLEM. The underreporting will likely trigger the coinsurance clause. As a result, the dealership will bear the financial responsibility for the difference.

Monthly Reporting Form – This method requires the dealer to periodically update the insurance carrier. This forces dealers to take on additional work, but this method is cost-effective. It always reduces concerns associated with paying coinsurance.

The Dealer’s Blanket is important. But there are many additional coverages that Georgia Dealerships should consider. Some of the most common insurance coverages for Auto Dealers include:

  • Commercial Property
  • Business Personal Property
  • Workers Comp
  • Business Income
  • Garage Liability
  • Garagekeepers
  • EPLI
  • Business Income
  • and Cyber Liability.

We mentioned GarageKeepers, which is another coverage that is specific to the Auto Industry. This coverage protects vehicles of customers that have been left in your care. Dealers that also offer repair work will most likely need to add this coverage too.

  1. Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) Photo by John Lloyd, taken on October 22, 2009, distributed by Flickr

Homeowners Hurricane Tips

Coastal Homeowner, are you prepared for the next hurricane?
Hurricane Warning! Are you ready?

Homeowners that live near coastlines face possible loss by a hurricane. Hopefully, any affected person will own a homeowners insurance policy to help deal with the crisis. However, they must be aware of their responsibilities under the insurance policy in order to take full advantage of any available coverage.

The main priority for a homeowner is to be sure that the amount of coverage is adequate in the event that the home has to be totally replaced. Also, the homeowner should keep their deductible in mind, seeking options to make sure that it is affordable. Insurers who operate in areas that experience hurricanes typically require deductibles at a high, flat amount (such as $2,000) or at a percentage of the policy’s insurance limit (anywhere from 2% to 5%).

By planning beforehand, you can take active steps that can reduce your potential property loss as well as  enhance your personal safety.
Minimize Loss, Maximizing Safety

Naturally, a homeowner should consider ways to minimize their possible loss and maximize their personal safety by:

  • Making advance evacuation plans (including determining evacuation route, fueling car, preparing supplies, etc.)
  • Being aware of the nearest, safe shelter
  • Bring outdoor property inside the home (lawn equipment, toys, tools, etc.)
  • Installing or building a proper “safe room”
  • Cover/Secure all windows and doors
  • Have a portable radio and stay turned to accurate source of weather broadcasts.
  • Turn off (unplug) small appliances and turn refrigerators/freezers to their highest settings.
  • If applicable, turn off fuel/oil tanks.
  • Fill sinks and bathtubs with water.

Returning to a damaged/destroyed site is not when a hurricane victim will be at his or her best, but that is the time that certain obligations have to be met in order to make the most out of any insurance recovery. It is important to do the following:

  • At the earliest possible chance, contact your insurer with details about your loss
  • If possible, be sure you have a way to visually record the loss details (camera, digital camera, even a smartphone camera.)
  • Take reasonable action to keep intact property protected from additional damage or loss
  • Keep an accurate record of all expenses that are related to protecting your property as well as items related to temporary housing and meals

Though post-catastrophe times are chaotic and spirit-sapping, it is important to keep in contact with your agent and/or insurer. Take the time to be meticulous about filling out reports, documenting the value of your loss and cooperating with claims personnel.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2016

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Car Seat to fit your needs and budget!

Knowing how to pick out the correct car seat for your child is vital for your child’s safety! When picking out your child’s car seat it comes down to your personal preference, budget, and what best fits your family. Make sure you’re up to date with the car seat laws in your state and review your vehicle manual for proper fitting.

According to Kentuckystatepolice.org:
The 4 Steps for kids are:
1. Rear-Facing Infant Seats in the back seat from birth to at least one year old and at least 20 pounds.
2. Forward-Facing Toddler Seats in the back seat from age one to about age four and 20 to 40 pounds.
3. Booster Seats in the back seat from about age four and 40 pounds to at least age eight, unless 4’9”.
4. Safety Belts at age eight or older, or taller than 4’9”. All children age 12 and under should ride in the back seat.

2020’s Top Rated Car Seats:

According to www.safety.com: (Updated April 16, 2020)
• The best car seat for growth of your child is: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-1 Infant to Toddler Car Seat.
• The best infant car seat is: Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat.
• The best car seat for smaller vehicles: Graco SlimFit 3-1 Convertible Car Seat.

Below is a list of places you can call and schedule an appointment to have a Child Passenger Safety Technician show you how to install your car seat or have it inspected.

If there not old enough to be a backseat driver, then your sure don't want to count on them to take care of the child car sear.
I hate this seat belt. I can never get it fastened.

1. Duvalle Education Center:
https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY
Address: 3610 Bohne Ave.
Louisville, KY 40211

2. Norton Children’s Hospital:
https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY
Address: 315 E Broadway
Louisville, KY 40202

3. Norton Children’s Medical Associates-Shelbyville
https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY
Address: 150 Frankfort Road
Shelbyville, KY 40065

4. Norton Children’s Medical Center- Brownsboro
https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY
Address: 4910 Chamberlain Lane
Louisville, KY 40241

5. Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital
https://www.safekids.org/inspection-stations#KY
Address: 4400 Dutchman’s Lane
Louisville, KY 40207

6. Kentucky State Police (kentuckystatepolice.org) KSP advises all troopers at all 16 posts have been trained as certified safety seat technicians

7. UK Health Care The Safe Kids Car Seat Inspection Station at Immanuel Baptist Church (ukhealthcare.uky.edu)
Address: 3100 Tates Creek Road
Lexington, KY 40502

8. Lexington Fire Department Public Education Office:
https://www.lexingtonky.gov/lexington-car-seat-installation
Address: 1405 Old Frankfort Pike
Lexington, KY 40504

9. Shelbyville Police Department:
www.shelbyvillekentucky.com
Address: 303 E. Main Street
Shelbyville, KY 40065

Home Generator Considerations

Not sure when, but there is a storm coming.  Are you ready for the next Georgia Hurricane?  You can beat the storm , but it takes a little advance planning.  Storm Preparedness.
There’s a storm coming! Are you prepared?

One issue that may arise because of storms, extreme heat or natural catastrophe is the loss of electrical power. While power outages are often, merely a nuisance, extended power interruptions can cause problems ranging from loss of perishables (particularly frozen and refrigerated foods), damage to property that is vulnerable to temperature extremes, and personal endangerment caused by overheating or freezing.

In Indiana and Kentucky tornado safety and  storm planning is a must.  Storm preparedness is a must.
Even if your home isn’t hit,
you could go days without electricity.

Many homeowners who, for various reasons, are prone to suffering power loss, use an option to protect themselves; home generators. Such generators are capable of temporarily supplying electrical power to run household appliances and utilities. Home generators come in two basic forms:

Portable Generators.   Even if your home isn't hit directly, you still may find yourself with power for days, maybe weeks.  A key step to storm safety, generators.
Having a portable generator a key step in becoming storm ready!
  • Portable Generators – lower-powered units that operate externally from a home’s wiring system.
  • Standby Generators – high-power units that are attached directly to a home’s wiring system and which takes over automatically when utility power is interrupted

Regardless the type, it is critical to take proper precautions to make sure that no harm or injury results from their use.

With standby generators, installation should be performed by a licensed electrician and installations should be inspected by authorized persons before initial use. Installations should include a proper transfer switch and local utilities should be notified that an installation has occurred. Transfer switches insure that electrical power is properly and safely switched from the generator to a utility supply when power is restored.

Portable generators have a host of procedures that should be adhered to, such as the following:

  • generators should be located outside the home, in an area that provides proper ventilation and which shields the unit from moisture
  • generators should NOT be located near window or doors since carbon monoxide exhaust could seep into a home
  • care must be taken to prevent burns due to contact with hot generator parts
  • generators should never be plugged into house outlets. This can cause back feeds which results in damaging wiring and endangering utility company personnel (backed power can be transmitted through power lines at fatal power levels)
  • proper, exterior-rated cords should be the only kinds used with generators
  • generator power should be matched with essential power needs (core appliances, heating/cooling) and not overloaded (which could damage the generator and powered appliances, etc.)
  • fuel for generators should be stored properly and refueling should take place ONLY after the generator has cooled after being turned off

Generators can be a tremendous method to compensate for temporary power outages but care must be taken to be sure they don’t generate more problems than solutions.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2017

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.

Telecommuters and Insurance

Sunburns!  One of the many dangers associated with working from home.
New Remote Workers are still working out the kinks

If you work from your home for part of your workweek and if the situation is an ongoing arrangement with your employer…that’s telecommuting! That is also an opportunity to make special insurance considerations. Consider the following:

Property Considerations

You may have gaps in coverage because of your work arrangement. You may not have the insurance protection you need for your employer’s business property that is kept in your home or your own property that is used to perform your job. This is because residential insurance policies severely restrict or exclude coverage for business property. A further complication is that business property usually consists of high-valued items that are vulnerable to damage and/or to theft. Such property includes fax machines, copiers, computers, pads, smart phones, computer peripherals, GPS, etc.

Liability Considerations

Personal insurance policies that include liability protection typically exclude business-related losses. Further, different policies can be quite broad in interpreting how a loss is connected to “business.” Liability Policies A and B would routinely respond to handling an insured who spilled hot coffee on a guest in his home. What if, instead of being a social guest, the visitor was your employer’s client? Policy A may still offer coverage because it considers the coffee spill to be a common home hazard. Policy B, however, may flat-out exclude the loss because the injured person was in the home for a business reason.

Vehicle Liability

Instead of using your personal vehicle for going to and from work, more of your vehicle use may be related to your job, such as making deliveries, calling on clients or visiting jobsites. Many instances of job related use might be excluded from your personal auto coverage.

Home Accidents

Simple events may be complicated when they occur in the course of performing your job at home. Coverage for injuries suffered while going up the stairs or experiencing a prolonged illness may cause coverage questions for your employer. Individual company or state-mandated coverage for employees may not apply to work-related accidents that occur at home.

Working remotely drives the need for changes from employers and employees.
Issues with working remotely

Document What You Do

In order to determine your coverage needs, you must clearly identify your exposure to business losses. Document the following:

  • What routine job duties do you perform in your home?
  • Are any tasks hazardous?
  • Who visits your home because of your job (clients, vendors, repair personnel, suppliers, others)? Be Specific.
  • How often do such persons visit?
  • Is a certain part of your home dedicated as a work area/office?
  • What equipment is used in your job? (Is the equipment used only for your job? Who owns each piece of equipment?)

Once you have a good idea of the loss exposures from performing your job at home, you need to discuss your situation with an insurance professional. An insurance pro can help you find additional coverage options as well as help to identify what coverage gaps must be addressed by your employer. While it can be liberating to telecommute, you must make sure that you haven’t given up important protection along with your cubicle or office.


COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2015

All rights reserved. Production or distribution, whether in whole or in part, in any form of media or language; and no matter what country, state or territory, is expressly forbidden without written consent of Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc.