Home Generator Considerations

Posted on by Brad Smith
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

Posted on by Brad Smith
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.

Tornado Shelters

Posted on by Brad Smith
Tornado season is in full swing. Are you ready?

Homes may be built with solid craftsmanship and with the use of the best materials, but most residences offer little to no protection against a common hazard…..tornadoes. Recently, homeowners have begun to embrace the use of tornado shelters. Before discussing this protection method, here is some background information.

In the U.S., tornadoes most often occur in the Midwest, Plains and Southern states. Tornadoes are created by thunderstorm fronts where moist, warm air meets moving cool fronts. Winds first form a horizontal rotation that is lifted upwards by warm air. When the rotating column is tilted high enough, it becomes a tornado.

Tornadoes can occur anywhere and at any time, but the peak season is in late spring through the summer. Wind speeds range from less than 100 to +250 mph. The stronger the storm, the longer its lifespan (generally 10-15 minutes). The damage path of a hurricane is usually narrow and short, but they can be as large as a mile in width and travel tens of miles. Tornado damage can be substantial as the winds and wind-carried debris are powerful enough to demolish buildings.

When a tornado threatens a home, the safest response is to get to the lowest and innermost space; away from all doors and windows. Basements and cellars are ideal, but these features are not found in most homes. In the past, it was common to equip homes with storm cellars, located adjacent to home, to protect against severe storm winds. Today, in response to the need for more protection, there has been a revival in the use of tornado shelters.

Tornado shelters offer the best protection . Buried, reinforced safe rooms that can be designed to fit your needs.
Christie England stands in the storm shelter in front of the remains of her home May 27, 2013, in Moore, Okla. England’s home was destroyed in the May 20, 2013, EF-5 tornado that ripped through Moore. The storm killed 24, injured hundreds and damaged thousands of homes. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Bradley C. Church)

Tornado shelter are, essentially, reinforced safe rooms, ranging from regular room size, down to small enclosures that are fitted within closets or garages. They may even, like storm cellars of old, be buried in the ground. They are constructed of reinforced metal walls that are, ideally, bolted to a cement floor. Such structures are capable of staying intact even when the surrounding structure is obliterated by tornado winds. Shelters are designed to accommodate a typical family and may cost several thousand dollars.

While shelters do little to protect a residence, they do respond to the most important issue, increasing the chance that residents can survive a tornado and rebuild.

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.

The Importance of Home Insurance

Posted on by admin

Buying a home is a very exciting time. Whether you’re just purchasing yours or you’ve lived in it for a long time, you want to make sure it’s properly protected. That’s where a home insurance policy comes in. At TruePoint Insurance, we’re dedicated to helping all our Central, KY area homeowners get the policies they need to feel safe and secure. Having peace of mind is extremely important, and it’s much easier when you know you have the right insurance coverage. Since your home is such a large and important asset, coverage for it and your belongings is a vital part of building a strong and stable future.

If you’re not sure what kind of home policy to get, or you don’t know the exact type and level of coverage you need, you’re not alone. Plenty of people have questions about insurance on their home. Fortunately, we have agents who can help you get the proper kind of coverage, at a level that works for the assets you have and the way you want to protect them. While an insurance policy can’t stop something from happening to your home, it can help you make needed repairs and get back to living life again. If you’re in Central Kentucky, TruePoint Insurance wants to help you by making sure you have the right home insurance policy for your needs, current situation, and future goals. You don’t have to settle for less than a great policy that will help you feel good about your home and its level of protection. Reach out to us today, and ask any questions you have about insurance for your home. We’re here and we want to help you have confidence in your insurance policy. Whether you’re getting a new policy or reviewing an old one, our professional agents can meet your needs.

Home Businesses (Daycare/Schools)

Posted on by Brad Smith

A variety of businesses are routinely operated in homes. This article discusses aspects of particular operations. Refer to Home Businesses – Basics for background information on coverage as well as our other articles discussing different in-home businesses.

Daycare or In-Home Schools

Coverage for abuse or sexual assault for small schools is often difficult to obtain at a reasonable price. Limited corporal punishment coverage for teachers who are employed by a school system may be available from your homeowners carrier. If you are an independent tutor or run your own school, most homeowners policies cannot be modified to include corporal punishment. Abuse and corporal punishment may be available through the association(s) that specializes in your type of school.

While the company that writes your HO policy may be willing to add an endorsement to cover piano lessons, most will not want to cover a three-to-five child daycare operation. Liability coverage may be purchased separately. Coverage for property and liability can be provided through a Businessowners policy, but none of these forms includes professional liability or abuse or corporal punishment.

Will a homeowners insurance policy cover a in home daycare? Ask your agent. Most will not, but some do!
Does your homeowners insurance cover a small daycare?

Specialty schools, such as ballet, sports, personal training, animal training, or horseback riding will require specialty coverage. Again, your trade organization, or independent agent can often find you coverage at a reasonable price.

Workers compensation is essential for any person you employ.

Driving students in private vehicles or bus-like vehicles poses special problems. You must hold a Commercial Driver’s license if you haul more than 16 people including the driver. Your school is probably too small to qualify for standard business auto insurance. If standard coverage is unavailable, many states have assigned risk pools and other mechanisms to provide you coverage-sometimes at reasonable prices. A good independent agent will understand these markets.

Your state will also have laws regulating the transportation of students and these laws may require a special license when transporting fewer than 16 people. Subcontracting the driving does not lessen your responsibility for a whole raft of laws from vehicle accidents, workers compensation, ADA, and whether the driver has met the new substance abuse requirements.

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.

Who should get flood insurance in Kentucky?

Posted on by admin
How much do you know about Flood Insurance? Learn more here.
Learn about flood insurance before the waters start to rise.

Anyone that lives in the Fisherville, KY area needs to carefully consider their home insurance needs. One form of insurance that should be considered is flood insurance, which will provide specific coverage if your home is damaged by a local flood. There are several situations when someone should get flood insurance on their property in this area of Kentucky

Anyone with Lender Requirement

Understanding mortgage requirements for flood insuranceFlood Zone, Flood Zone C, Flood Zone A, Flood Zone X, Flood Insurance. Kentucky Flood insurance
Does your home mortgage require flood insurance?

The first situation when someone in Kentucky should get a flood insurance policy is if they are required to have it by their lender. Mortgage lenders are aware of how serious flood damage can be. Due to this risk, lenders often require borrowers to carry flood insurance if they are in a flood zone. Depending on what flood zone you are in, the lender could require you to escrow payments monthly to ensure coverage. 

Needs to Cover Against Risk

Where can i buy flood insurance, ky flood insurance, commercial flood insurance in ky, or business flood insurance
Flood Loss versus Cost. You do the math!

Even if there is a small risk for flood damage in your area, you should still consider getting flood insurance. If you do not have a mortgage or are not required to carry it, you should still carefully assess your risks and current insurance coverage. If you are near a waterway that could flood, you should consider getting an additional flood insurance policy to ensure you are fully covered at all times.

When you are looking to learn more about flood insurance in the Fisherville, KY area, you should speak with the team at TruePoint Insurance. Choosing a flood insurance policy can seem quite complicated and challenging. When you call TruePoint Insurance, the team of insurance professionals will be able to provide you with a full assessment to help you determine what type of insurance is right for you. They can then help you get into a policy that provides adequate coverage. 

Understanding Car Insurance; Auto Liability Limits

Posted on by Brad Smith
What are your Auto Liability Limits?

What are Auto Liability Limits?
Auto Liability Limits are the part of your insurance that protects you for damages to others.

What happens if you or an auto you own are involved in an accident and deemed to be at fault? You will be liable for losses to the other party’s vehicle and any injuries resulting from the accident.

You can find your Auto Liability Limits on your declarations page. Auto limits are the three numbers which look like those below:


100/300/100


The first two numbers, 100/300, represent the coverage available for BI, or Bodily Injury. Your BI protects you when you are at fault, and as a result, injury has occurred to others.


The first number (100) indicates that the policy provides up to $100,000 of coverage to any one person. The (300) states that the total amount available to cover all injured individuals. The number 300 indicates that BI has a $300,000 cap.


The final number represents Physical Damage. It is also referred to as PD. Physical Damage coverage protects against property damage caused by the insured. In our example, the number (100) indicates that you have $100,000 in PD coverage.

Several States have recently increased the required minimums For Auto Insurance


Liability Limits represent the amount that your insurance company is legally liable for. Those limits vary and are dependent on the amounts you requested. Each state sets minimum required limits.

Below are the required limits required by the states served by TruePoint Insurance:

Georgia 25/50/25

Indiana 25/50/25

Also, Indiana requires minimum limits for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
25/50/25

Kentucky 25/50/25

South Carolina 25/50/25


In addition, South Carolina requires minimum limits for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
25/50/25

What happens when the cost exceeds my coverage limits?
As insurance agents, we have thoughts and suggestions related to auto insurance. However, there isn’t a right answer to the question above. Will the injured party pursue the claim once it exceeds the limits? For those that do seek to be fully repaid, they will likely seek recourse in a courtroom. This takes us or any other insurance agent out of the picture. It also makes it impossible for an agent to answer this question.


Before purchasing car insurance:Take the time to speak with an agent; one that is willing to provide insurance decisions that are right for you.

Home Businesses (Wholesale)

Posted on by Brad Smith
Home based business are not exempt form risk. Take some time
Are your protecting your home based business?

A variety of businesses are routinely operated in homes. This article discusses aspects of particular operations. Refer to Home Businesses – Basics for background information on coverage as well as our other articles discussing different in-home businesses.

Homeowners insurance seldom covers a business

Wholesale – As a wholesaler, here are some coverage options for your consideration:

Businessowners Policy – If you are a manufacturer’s representative with limited inventory, some insurance companies will cover your business with a BOP. A BOP provides broad coverage for buildings, personal property, loss of business income, extra expense incurred to remain in business (after a fire or other covered cause of loss), premises liability and medical payments.

If you have more than $1,000 of goods off-premises in transit, you will need to add additional coverage. Coverage for goods stored at other locations must be added to the policy.

Commercial Package Policy – If you cannot qualify for a BOP, your agent will probably have to build a special commercial package policy to meet your needs. You will need a competent commercial lines agent to help you. Commercial lines agents have both the expertise to design the appropriate coverage and the markets for your wholesale business.

Workers Compensation – You will need workers compensation coverage for any employee – even part-timers.

Commercial Auto Policy – You may need commercial automobile insurance if you deliver anything or if your vehicle is larger than a car, van or small pickup, or if the vehicle is owned by a corporation.

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.

Life Insurance for Seniors: What are Your Options?

Posted on by admin

As you approach your golden years, you may find that your plan to provide for your dependents isn’t as solid as you’d like. In these cases, a customized life insurance strategy from TruePoint Insurance can help you create a better future for those you may leave behind. While age is an important factor, older residents in the Fisherville, KY area still have life insurance options that can build a stronger foundation for their dependents.

Be Realistic

Your age isn’t the only factor agents look at when considering life insurance coverage. Your agent will also look at your:

  • History of tobacco use
  • Gender
  • Health history
  • High-risk lifestyle activities
  • Driving record

Senior citizens with the right combination of factors can still find affordable and adequate life insurance coverage. Your insurance agent can help you understand how these factors affect your current options.

Try a Term Policy

Term life policies are contracts that provide coverage for a short period of time. The coverage period can be anywhere from a few months to several years. These contracts come with very specific coverage requirements. Your insurance agent can help you create a contract that covers your most likely scenarios to ensure your dependents receive full payment.

Bulk Up Existing Policies

Your existing life insurance coverage may not be enough to cover current circumstances. In that case, your insurance company may be willing to work with you to expand coverage.

Think About Survivorship Insurance

Survivorship life insurance is a highly flexible option for married couples with dependents. The shared risk generally decreases premiums and maximizes potential benefits. These contracts are designed to pay out when the last covered subscriber passes away.

Find the Best Strategy for Your Family’s Financial Future

TruePoint Insurance agents can help you find the life insurance coverage you need for your family’s future. We offer customized policies for residents in the Fisherville, KY area. Call us to talk about your life insurance options.

Home Businesses (Retail)

Posted on by Brad Smith
Form some Americans, working from home is a considered godsend, home based businesses can also create hurdles. Home-owners and business insurance are good examples.
Home -Based Retail Operations

A variety of businesses are routinely operated in homes. This article discusses aspects of particular operations. Refer to Home Businesses – Basics for background information on coverage as well as our other articles discussing different in-home businesses.

Retail – Persons with in-home retail operations must look beyond an HO policy for coverage.

Running a home-based business isn't right for everyone. But if your one of those suited to such endeavors you should review your homeowners insurance policy for gaps in coverage.
Home-Based Retail Business owner prepare packages

The Businessowners Policy (BOP) provides broad coverages for buildings, personal property, loss of business income and extra expenses incurred to remain in business (after a fire or other covered cause of loss), premises liability and medical payments. If you have more than $1,000 of goods in transit, you will need to add additional coverage. Goods stored at other locations must be added to the policy, normally as an additional location.

You will need workers compensation coverage for any employee, even part-timers. You may need commercial automobile insurance if you deliver anything or if your vehicle is larger than a car, van or small pickup or if the vehicle is owned by a corporation.

Note: some insurance companies can offer amendments to your homeowners policy that can cover certain, in-home businesses.

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.