R&R Insurance Blog

Ted Marino, resident of Brookfield WI and an R&R customer since 1984, explains the peace-of-mind he had immediately after his home caught fire from a lightning strike during a storm in 2010. Ted and Chris escaped without harm, but their house was another story...

Wisconsin residents can have the same peace-of-mind that the Marino's experience. Contact knowledgebroker Dan Wolfgram for more information about personal insurance options through R&R Insurance Services.

You should think twice before switching homeowners insurance - it could end up costing you money!

Lately, there's no shortage of commercials on TV trying to get you to switch to a new insurance company for "savings". It may not, however, be as easy as they make it out to be. Here are some key points from a great article by by Hank Coleman.

You'll Lose Discounts By Jumping Around

Most insurance companies have a built-in automatic discount if you've been with them for several years. If you begin to chase better insurance rates around the internet and through other companies that have strong advertising campaigns, you run the risk of losing this discount that you used to enjoy from your previous insurance company. Also keep in mind that if you split up your home and auto policies with different carriers, you also lose the multiple policy discount.

Missing The Fine Print

If you change homeowners insurance, be sure to read the fine print of your new policy. Does it require you to get a home inspection and new improvements made before your policy takes effect?

• Lesson learned: One North Carolina woman recently switched her homeowners policy to a new insurance carrier only to find out that she needed to make over $4,000 worth of repairs to her aging home to begin her new coverage. It would not have been a major issue except for the fact that she had already canceled her original homeowners insurance before finding out about the expensive upgrades she had to make to her home. The upgrades now have all but negated the cost savings she would have enjoyed by switching insurance companies for years to come.

If you are considering switching, make sure that you're working with an agent that can give you multiple quotes and one that has the knowledge to discuss your options. Wisconsin residents should contact knowledgebroker, Dan Wolfgram, for more information.

Let's face it, we're all looking for ways to trim our expenses. Here are 12 ways to make sure that the value you are getting from your homeowners policy is real, and to ensure that you aren't paying more than you need to.

1. Raise your deductible
   Deductibles are the amount of money you have to pay toward a loss before your insurance company starts to pay a claim, according to the terms of your policy. The higher your deductible, the more money you can save on your premiums. Most insurance companies recommend a deductible of at least $500. If you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you may save as much as 25%.
2. Insure for replacement cost, not market value
   The housing market has dropped significantly, but that doesn't mean the cost to rebuild your home has dropped as well. Insurance companies insure homes based on the amount it would cost to rebuild, including debris removal, architect fees, etc., not the assessed value of the home. In today's economy, these two values can be drastically different. It is important to make sure your home is insured based on replacement cost, and that it does not include the cost of land.
3. Package your home & auto policies together
   Some companies that sell homeowners, auto and umbrella coverage will take 5 to 15 percent off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them. Luckily, R&R Insurance represents numerous companies that do just that!
4. Newer/updated homes may be eligible for discounts
   Find out from your insurance agent what steps you can take to make your home more resistant to windstorms and other natural disasters. You may be eligible for premium discounts if your home is constructed with fortified home materials, such as HardiePlank siding, or has an impact resistant roof.
5. Improve your home security
   Some companies offer to cut your premium if you have a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations. If you have a security system, be sure to mention it to your insurance agent as the discount for security systems average anywhere from 10-25% of the home premium.
6. Maintain a good credit record
   Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price insurance policies. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate. More about insurance scoring...
7. Stay with the same insurer
   If you've kept your coverage with a company for several years, you may receive a special discount for being a long-term policyholder. Some insurers will reduce their premiums by 5 percent if you stay with them for three to five years and by 10 percent if you remain a policyholder for six years or more.
8. Review the value of your scheduled items and rec vehicles at least once a year
   You want your policy to cover any major purchases or additions to your home. But you don't want to spend money for coverage you don't need. For example, if your five-year-old fur coat is no longer worth the $5,000 you paid for it, you'll want to reduce the amount on your insurance policy. Rec vehicles and watercraft also tend to depreciate with age; be sure to check with a reputable dealer or other on-line valuation service to ensure you are not over insured.
9. Buy a longer policy
   There may be a price penalty attached to 3- or 6-month policies, so the longer your policy term, the cheaper your rates will likely be. Regardless of the length of your policy, you may be able to avoid installment fees and save money by paying it in full instead of in monthly installments. If installments are the only affordable option, you may be able to avoid fees by having your premiums automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
10. When you're buying a home...Location Location Location
    You may pay less for insurance if you buy a house close to a fire hydrant or in a community that has a professional rather than a volunteer fire department.
11. You could be eligible for a discount between 5 -10% depending on the age and location of your electrical, heating & plumbing systems
    If your single family home or condo is less than 30 years old, or if your home mechanics have been upgraded during that time, you may qualify for an elite home program with some insurance companies. This could save you up to 10% on your yearly premium.
12. Reduce your auto coverage to comprehensive only during winter months
    If you have vehicles that you do not use during the winter months or for long periods of time during the year, you can save some money by removing the liability from them while they are idly stored. By carrying comprehensive only during these times, your vehicle is still covered for things like theft, fire, vandalism, etc. Your liability coverage can be added back on when you decide to use the vehicle again.

Wisconsin residents, be sure to contact knowledgebroker, Brandy Enger, for the best valued personal lines insurance in Wisconsin!

According to the Home Safety Council, fires and burns are the leading causes of unintentional home injury death among children younger than 15 in the United States. Fire prevention is key, here are some tips to make your home safer:

Fire Prevention Tips

• Store matches and lighters out of sight and reach of children in a locked cabinet.
• Stay in the kitchen at all times when food is cooking on the stove.
• Only adults should light candles and stay in the room when they are lit.
• Make a fire escape plan. Find two exits out of every room and an outside meeting place away from the home. Practice a fire drill twice each year with all members of your family.

Burn Prevention Tips

• Turn pot handles away from stove’s edge and use back burners whenever possible to keep
  small hands from getting burned.
• Enforce a “kid-free zone” of three feet around the stove area.
• Test the temperature of your water. If it is hotter than 120 degrees F, turn down the
  water heater dial.
• If you or someone gets burned, immediately use cool water to stop the damage from getting worse. Keep the burn in cool water for 3-5 minutes. Even after the heat source is removed, the burning in the skin can continue for several minutes. Do not use ice, ice water or butter on the burn.

Wisconsin residents, make sure you have the proper coverage for any type of catastrophic loss and contact knowledgebroker, Dan Wolfgram today!

In an article by Eleanor Duse, she mentioned dogs usually like water. Som­e breeds, like Labrador retrievers, are traditional boat dogs. But that doesn't mean you can take them on boats without considering their safety and well-being.

Many dog owners assume their pets can swim, but a short doggy paddle in the pond is a far cry from swimming through strong currents in open waters. Your dog may not be strong enough or fast enough to swim alongside your boat. Leaner dogs may struggle more, since fat is more buoyant than muscle. Short-legged breeds can also have problems swimming.

Make sure your dog is securely leashed when you first get on board. The other end of the leash should be in your hand, not tied to the boat. The dog should know you're in control and that you're close by. Once you've made all the necessary preparations for departure from the dock, you can reward your dog with a swim.

What else do you need?

• Food and water. Bring more water than you think you'll need, just in case. Chances are that you and your dog will be out in the sun more than either one of you is used to.
• Newspapers or a doggie toilet. This clearly represents hours of training, frustration and mess. Your dog probably won't get it right every time. You already know your dog's warning signs, so accompany it as you would on a walk and clean up any messes.
• Doggie snacks. You should always have treats handy to reward your dog's good behavior.
• A carrier, harness or leash. Even at a dock, you have to comply with local leash laws.
• Transportation. You'll need an easy way to help your dog get out of the water and on board -- either a dog ladder or a dog ramp.
• Proper paperwork. You'll need up-to-date papers and vaccination records, especially if you plan to cross state or national borders.

We saw a great article by Jim Guidry of the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance which had a great suggestion on another way to protect your property using your iPhone® or iPad®.

With 2011 being a "bad claims" year, what better way to prepare and protect yourself this year than using your iPhone or iPad?

Use Your iPhone To Help Protect Your Personal Property

Wisconsin's severe storms can potentially cause significant damage to your home and its contents. The average claim payment for damage to or loss of home contents in Wisconsin was $5,961 in 2010.

One great free home inventory app to help with your home inventory process: myHOME Scr.APP.book (from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)).

More information on how to do your own home inventory.

Wisconsin residents, contact KnowledgeBroker, Kori Cumley for more ways to protect your personal property.

We ran across this helpful article by Eric Markowitz of Inc.com informing us of ways to keep active at work. Recent studies suggest sitting for long periods of time is worse than you might think. Here are tips to help sedentary employees stay healthy.

Studies found sitting for extended periods is hazardous to your health. According to NPR, "men who reported more than 23 hours a week of sedentary activity had a 64 percent greater risk of dying from heart disease than those who reported less than 11 hours a week of sedentary activity,".

Healthy employees make for more productive employees. One Australian study found that "the healthiest employees are nearly three times more productive while at work than the least healthy—140 effective working hours per month versus 45 effective hours worked per month."

Some even believe that sitting (or "excessive sitting") could be the basis for future Occupational and Safety and Health Administration complaints and even workplace litigation. According to Emmanuel Turner, a lecturer in computer graphic design, on his blog. "If this happens then work place computer usage will need to change to be less sedentary."

So what can you do to keep in shape and active while working in an office?

• Take frequent micro - breaks - that is, getting up and moving every 15 minutes. That is more valuable than taking long breaks.
• Make your meetings mobile. Why meet around a conference table when you can go for a walk? When it's nice out, grab your tablets and head outdoors.
• Think treadmill or standing desk. It may sound silly (and look even sillier) but exercising at one's desk is an ideal way to keep active at the office.
• Start a wellness program.

Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel reminds and encourages consumers to make sure their insurance policy is up to date before the rainy season starts. "Many consumers don't realize that a flood insurance policy has a 30-day waiting period before it becomes effective," said Nickel. "Consumers need to act soon in order to have the protection in place by the time spring arrives."

Wisconsin's recent experience with flooding should serve as a reminder to everyone that you don't need to live in a flood plain to be exposed to flooding. Every year since 2007, there has been flooding in the state serious enough to cause significant damage, some serious enough to result in federal disaster declarations.

According to FEMA, there were less than 16,500 flood insurance polices in force as of September 30, 2010. While there was 3% growth in the number of flood insurance policies sold in Wisconsin for the same period, "We need to do better," said Nickel. "There is too much exposure and not enough coverage."

The standard homeowner's policy does not cover damage to property and possessions in the event of a flood. Just a few inches of flood water can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Flood insurance is relatively inexpensive and is available under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally-backed program managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Under the flood insurance program, coverage may be purchased as long as the property is located in a community that participates in the NFIP. To verify if a community participates, check with a property insurance agent or visit the FEMA Website. Information on the program can be obtained by calling 800-427-2419 or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.

If you are Wisconsin resident and would like to know more about flood insurance for your personal insurance package contact a knowledgbroker.

After the devasting effects of a fire, resist the urge to start the cleaning process right away. Improper cleaning can actually cause additional damage, rendering some items unrestorable.

Things To Do:

• Open windows for ventilation if weather permits
• If it is winter and the heat is off, pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sinks, and tub drains to prevent freeze damage. Call a plumber to drain water lines because water pipes can cause additional damage if they burst.
• Relocate pets to a safe environment
• Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is off. Prop doors open to allow air circulation.

Things Not To Do:

• Turn on any electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and checked.
• Use food items or canned goods that have been exposed to heat
• Attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings and other surfaces.

For more great tips and info go to www.kelmann.com or contact your Knowledge Brokers

Water Damage can happen due to storms, broken water pipes, clogged drains, broken appliances, roof leaks, sewer leaks and more. Water damage requires fast action.

Here are some ways to minimize your damage before professional help arrives:

Do's

• Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands & rubber boots to protect your feet and legs.
• Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call for professional help. Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting with sponges.
• Pull up wet rugs and carpets if hardwood floors are below.
• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Move photos, paintings, art objects, computers, other electronics and valuables to a safe, dry location.
• Do not remove books from shelves. Pack them tightly to prevent page warping until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for faster drying in summer (only if there is no visible mold) and winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating. Also, open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

Don'ts

• Do not enter rooms where there is wet and sagging ceiling!
• Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors. Mildew and more moisture damage can occur.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
• Do not disturb visible mold.

For Wisconsin residents, contact a KnowledgeBroker at R&R Insurance for information on protecting your home from water damage, floods, broke pipes. We do offer sewer backup endorsements and have up to date information for flood zone residents, including the new cost-saving flood insurance from FEMA.

Information taken in part from ServiceMaster Clean website.