Guaranty Association Benefits Company

People often ask me what I do on a daily basis, usually after I try to explain this what is a marketing manager. Before I could answer these questions, I must explain that I Sale insurance. Instead, marketing managers are the face of the insurance company to our partner agencies

When I meet someone for the first time, here's how the conversation will generally:

".? so, you live in Nashville What do you do"

"well, I'm in insurance."

"Oh cool, what kind of insurance you sell?"

Nine times out of ten that is exactly, and i mean exactly , how the conversation goes. I try to explain what I do a few different ways but I guess you have to be insurance, or married to someone in the insurance, to really get it. So I'll clarify a few things by giving you an idea of ​​what a typical day of an insurance marketing manager looks like. Are you ready? Good!

• First, I make sure my email is organized. My job includes a lot of time on the road between the two calls agency. Nobody wants a pile of mail coming to the house.
• Then I prepare for my daily appointments. This is one of the most important aspects of the job; strong organization and preparation = efficiency and productivity. Generally, I plan and organize all of my appointments for the next week at an office day.
• Then I pack my computer. No matter what, I have to always be ready to quote an account in the office of an agent.
• It is better to be really early than late, so I always plan my route and account for traffic.
• during the call of the agency, I can be any or all of the following: liaison, troubleshooting, problem resolution, teacher, usher, coach, and sometimes even a motivational speaker. Agents expect us to be professional, respectful and polite.
• I find the most successful days are when an agency learns of our products, the trains on our systems, understands the value of relationships, and appreciate the partnership we have with each other.

You see, every day could start the same, but every day is completely different. The life of a marketing manager is fun and interesting; there is always something to learn and adapt to the landscape of the evolving insurance. The best part is the success can be achieved on a daily basis! Are you in a job that is difficult to explain? If so, I'd love to hear your story in the comments below!

In the technological age of today, our economy and society are constantly being transformed with new products that often revolutionizing our everyday life. Many experts predict the autonomous car will be the next big thing to have a major impact on the world. Several companies have been developing technology for driverless cars for years, and it is expected that they will be available to the public in the next five to ten years.

I think the effects of this next automotive revolution is vast and endless in society and our economy, including the insurance sector. Consider just a handful of options (this list is not exhaustive):

1. The responsibility for an accident might pass the owner of the car to the car manufacturer, which could lead to significant decrease in the number of liability insurance policies. However, it is too early to begin to predict how this scenario could play once autonomous vehicles become a fixture on the roads of our country. It is also very possible that the owners may decide to keep some form of full coverage or collision up to fully protect their own car.
2. The dramatic decrease in the frequency of auto accidents due to the elimination of human error logically correlated with a sharp drop in car insurance premiums across the industry, especially the cost of these vehicles decreases over time. Imagine all the lives that could be saved through the complete elimination of drivers or speeding drunk!
3. Families would need to have as many vehicles. For example, a single autonomous vehicle could take the kids to school and then back home to take the parents to work. This will probably save consumers money, but it will also likely impact not only on the insurance industry, but also automakers that fewer cars will be manufactured.
4. autonomous vehicles could be optimized to operate at the most efficient speeds and settings at any time to avoid fuel wastage. This can also save homeowners a lot of money over time.
5. As autonomous cars become the main form of transportation, traffic jams and congestion will likely become a thing of the past, even in the busiest of cities. This would save people a lot of time every day on the go. If you think about it, these cars would all be able to interact with each other like a well oiled machine using satellites rather than humans with variable driving skills, reaction time, and only one horn interact with.
6. free "valet parking" wherever you go, as the vehicles could drop you, park, and you at the door when you're ready to go.
7. youth, the elderly, and the disabled would all the freedom to take a car anywhere, regardless of their inability to drive the vehicle himself.

personal auto insurers will likely face a major change in their business models that autonomous cars are beginning to emerge on the roads of our nation, but the impact should be positive in most areas of the society. Have you considered other effects that autonomous cars could have? Are there other developing technologies you believe could also have this kind of generalized impact? Please post your ideas in the comments below.

Candy corn, pumpkin pie, crisp air, and costumes can only mean one thing - Halloween ! As children go from door to door looking for the best candy, do not we as consumers do the same when buying? Of course, we want to find the best deal with the best service possible, but can you be next?

Do not worry, here are three Halloween common consumer nightmares may want to look out for:

• sugar overload. Parents can probably understand this nightmare; it is when they realize that their child ate all their candy in one night! But what that means as a consumer? retail stores, car dealers and even cable companies can poison you with a good deal. Do not be afraid to question anything that seems too good to be true. Be sure to look into these situations a little deeper and do not get caught with a bellyache a bad deal.

• Fear of darkness. Looking to finance a major purchase like a house or a car? Shed some light on these dark areas that might be haunting you. Not everyone is a guru of finance, so make sure you understand the language used and the conditions of the agreement, particularly before signing any document. Ask a trusted friend in the business or do your own research to find out what type of financing can be the best for you.

Perhaps now you are confident in your decision and you are ready to make your big purchase. So what final horror Halloween could be left?

• The monsters around the corner. We do not know what may be coming in the corner 31, or any other day for that matter, but we can try to be prepared. Whatever your purchase can be, check the measures to be taken to protect it. Check warranties and call your insurance agent to see what the covers of your new exposure may need. After all, who knows if there are monsters lurking around the corner.

Good luck with your new purchase! Just do not forget to look for "deals" and avoid the "stuff" when shopping. Have a Safe Halloween!

Did you know nearly half the home fire deaths result from fires that occur when most people are asleep - 11 p.m. to 7:00? Smoke spreads quickly, and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a smoke detector reduces the chances of dying in a fire reported in half! In other words, smoke alarms save lives.

A general rule is to replace your smoke detector batteries when the summer time begins and ends. Have you thought about doing this with the recent change in time? In addition to replacing your battery, here are some guidelines everyone should follow :.

• Install smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each bedroom and on every level of your home
• Test your smoke detectors every month.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years, as recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Some smoke detector manufacturers recommend replacing as often as every seven years!

The NFPA says: "Smoke alarms become less reliable with time, primarily due to the aging of their electronic components, which makes them susceptible to nuisance false alarms. "Tests conducted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have shown that when one of the components in a smoke detector fails, the unit fails completely.

There are a variety of . smoke alarm options available to help you decide what is best for your home, here are two of the most common types of smoke detectors:

1. detection optical - photoelectric smoke detectors combine a light source and a sensor As smoke passes between the two, and interrupts the beam, it fires NFPA said, "fire detection.. photoelectric is generally more responsive to fires that begin with a long period of smoldering (called smoldering fires). " These are considered to provide adequate protection for smoldering fires, but not so much to flame the fires . However, over time, the lens is dirty and the unit is less likely to "see" the smoke. Generally, this type is generally used for large rooms
2. physical process -. Ionisation smoke alarms are very sensitive, able to detect smoke not visible to the eye. This guy has a radioactive element that passes a constant current through an ionization chamber between two electrodes. Any particle that enters the room like smoke, interrupts this current and triggers the alarm. This type of detector is generally cheaper to manufacturer, but more prone to false alarms

We all have busy lives to lead. there are things to do and of course the upcoming holidays to prepare! But are we really too busy for our own safety? Please be sure to change your batteries every summer time change. And for security reasons, consider replacing all smoke detector units over ten years! For other ways to stay safe at home this winter, read the blog Fire Tips for your home.

Now that Christmas is just around the corner, I started noticing homes being lit by the lights of Christmas?. I like driving around looking at the different views that people put in place. Some of my favorite displays have lights synchronized to a music system; Not only do I love the way the lights are programmed to music, but how objects change from one color to another.

Thanks to ongoing research in Sweden, we can not have to wait for Christmas and the darkness of the night to take advantage of these types of displays. The researchers found a way to use the natural biology of plant growing electronics inside himself. This was done by placing the organic building blocks in the source of rose plants, which eventually became "son" throughout the stem and leaves of rose water. Once the son were built, or more precisely - grown researchers have managed to create an electrical circuit and manipulate the appearance of the plant, changing its color!

The benefits of such a discovery are not limited to the creation of modern Christmas decorations. Researchers are looking at this as a breakthrough way to monitor the plants and let the producers know if the plants need more or less water or fertilizer, or whether they should prevent the plant from flowering and save bad weather oncoming. It also has the potential to harness natural energy, a real "central".

This type of discovery brings immeasurable potential. Would not it be nice to see this linked to alarm systems? Imagine if someone broke into your home - not only would sound an alarm, but all the trees in your yard could instantly change color to warn all who pass by that you were in danger. What about a gas leak or a medical emergency? With proper signal, your landscaping could turn colors and not only alert someone outside, but also make your home more sensitive to first responders.

Although there are many valuable and practical uses for this technology, I am always happy about the possibility of going to a party where flowers, trees and even the colors of grass change, even perhaps timed to music. How do you see this type of new technology? Please let me know in the comments below!

The beginning of a new year is often a time to think about your goals and measure progress you have to achieve during the past year. Personally, I prefer to use the New Year is also a time to refocus my finances. Let me share with you my financial checklist, an excellent tool that can be helpful in allowing you to live as you want throughout the coming year:

1. establish an emergency fund.

Life is unpredictable and an emergency fund can prepare you for whatever may come your way. This should be your first step towards improving your financial health because it can prevent the need to take a loan for unexpected expenses. If you were to use your emergency fund during the previous year, you must plan to restore the funds back to normal.

2. Identify your goals.

List your short and long term financial goals so that you know exactly what you save money. These can include anything from a vacation to come to buying a home. Writing all of your goals or review your progress each year can make purchases appear achievable rather than just a dream. It can also make it easier to reduce unnecessary expenses.

3. Except for retirement.

Make sure you save enough money for the retirement you want. Keep in mind that when you start saving is as important as how much you save, so start early. If your employer matches a percentage of your contributions, make sure you save as much as they are essentially offering "free money". (Who does not?) In addition, reassess the risk of your portfolio based on when you plan to retire. If you started recording, you can afford to take more risks and invest more in stocks than bonds. As you approach retirement, you should become more risk averse so you can retire comfortably.

4. Pay down your debt.

Be sure to always pay at least the minimum amount due for any debt to avoid charges or penalties. If you have a large amount of debt, focus all principal payments that are above the minimum to your highest interest debt, specifically the credit cards. If the interest rate on your debt is low enough, you might just be better to pay the minimum payments and put the money in your retirement that the return on investment can be higher than the cost of interest.

5. Review your current insurance policies.

Have you built an addition on your home last year? Is there a new driver in your house? Ask yourself if there were there other types of new exhibits that you should include on your insurance policies. Review your policy and speak with your independent agent each year to help prevent future losses and keep you on track to achieve your goals.

Are there other steps you take each year to improve your financial health? Please share your suggestions in the comments below. A happy and prosperous New Year!

Have you ever been involved in a car accident? Have you worked with an insurance company after the accident? If you answered yes, it is possible that you had questions about the process of settling claims. It can be a stressful time but there are steps you can take to help make this process much easier. If ever you are unfortunately involved in a car accident, keep these five tips in mind to try to help simplify your claim process:

1. Gather as much information as you can on the scene. Take photos of the damaged vehicle. Take a picture of the scene if it is safe to do so. If several parties are involved, try to take pictures of their damage, if possible, and always call the police. It never hurts to have an official document to show what happened at the scene and be sure that the police provide the report number.
2. If another party is involved, information Trade Insurance before the Police arrive, if it is safe to do so. Once the police arrive, they often separate the two parts is no touch. Police records insurance information on the police report, but this report is not available until days or, in extreme cases, weeks later. If you get this information from the beginning, there is less chance that your application will be delayed.
3. Note details so you do not forget. It is always helpful to give your tuning request some information about the claim. Note what street you when the accident happened and what direction you are traveling. Which way you were? What time the accident happened? How was the traffic? Make sure you note the weather or road. If you are in an unfamiliar area, note some local landmarks to help an expert pinpoint your location.
4. Remove the application as soon as possible. The sooner the insurance company knows the best accident. The information is transferred from the insured to the expert is cooler and the details are clearer if less time spent. This gives the expert a much more complete picture of the accident, which allows it to provide faster and more accurate service
5. Remember, this is a partnership . the insurance company wants to help you through this difficult situation as efficient and painless as possible. However, to do this they may need your help. They may ask you to make a statement about what happened in the accident, or they may ask you to obtain an estimate of the damage to your choice of body shop so they can effectively examine the damage. Paperwork, such as your title, may be required to effectively pay your claim. Although these documents may require some effort, they are essential to provide ongoing service by adjusting your request.

So if you are required to file a car insurance claim, do not worry! Remember these quick tips to ensure that your claim process is stress-free as possible.

For additional resources, visit our "What to do after a car accident" brochure and video.

There has been a mild winter for most and even if it is already in February, we have a few weeks of cold weather to support. weather snow can make driving difficult to know how you, your family and your car for a road trip winter with these tips to prepare.

Before leaving:

1. Make sure your vehicle is in perfect operating condition by having it inspected by an approved auto repair facility.
2. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.
3. Watch the weather reports before leaving, especially if you are visiting a remote area. Delaying your trip when bad weather is expected. However, if you must leave, let others know your destination, planned route and expected arrival time.
4. Take a roadside emergency kit that includes blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, important medicines, and matches or a lighter. (Remember, newer vehicles are more integrated lighter). Also, pack a kind of warning device as lights, flares or hazard triangles
5. If you can, just stay home. do not tempt fate. Even if you drive well in snow, not everyone can

If you get stuck in snow :.

1. Do not over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your car out of the snow
2. Stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
3. Tie a cloth in bright colors to the antenna or place a cloth top with a window rolled as a distress signal.
4. If you become stranded after dark, keep the dome light on. It uses only a small amount of electricity and it will be easier for rescuers to find you.
5. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, ice or mud. If the engine is running, blocked exhaust fumes can cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak into the passenger compartment.
6. Using what is available to insulate your body against the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
7. If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the cold while trying to conserve gasoline.

I hope these winter weather driving tips help keep you safe and warm in the car. Remember, hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Do you have other tips for driving in the snow? Please share them in the comments below!

It is undeniable that the Internet has probably touched nearly everyone you know. With ongoing advances in technology and social media, the Internet can be a great place to spend some time. But as people connect with more gadgets more often, there is a growing concern for cybercrime and maintaining online security.

You might be (unknowingly) allowing thieves to spy on you through your electronics as many toys and gadgets come with insecurities of privacy, which makes it easy for a hacker or thief to break. These gadgets may include items such as smart TVs, popular Xbox Kinect, webcams, and even baby monitors. And do not forget your car - think of all the technology that comes standard these days! Your personal computer is still at risk because there are viruses or thieves can create programs to steal information that you enter into it.

While it can be scary to think, there is no need to live in fear of hackers and identity thieves. Here are seven ways to fight and keep your personal information secure and safe online:

1. Always use a password with at least eight characters. Make sure to use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one symbol.
2. Never save passwords in your web browser.
3. Use trusted antivirus software on your computer, such as McAfee or Avast.
4. Never enter personal information into a website that is unsecure or looks unprofessional. URL of a secure website should begin with "https" instead of "http". The "s" at the end means "secure" and uses a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).
5. Clear your webcam when not in use.
6. When using social or other communication media applications like Skype or FaceTime, only accept friend requests from people who know you and trust.
7. identity thieves like your credit cards to keep this information private and do not share, especially when using an ATM or entering your card number online. Also, just like your passwords, do not save your credit card online.

There are many other ways how you can stay safe online, but I would like to hear what you have ideas! Please share your suggestions in the comments below and stay safe out there on the internet.

Although most business owners are aware of the importance of ensuring their buildings, property personal and commercial vehicles, they often give a very important coverage - coverage of business income. For starters, it can be confusing to determine a coverage limit. And how coinsurance work done? What is the recovery period mean? Here are some talking points to discuss with your independent agent so you can be assured that you purchase the appropriate protection.

First, you must understand the business income hedging purposes. This coverage protects your business against the loss of income when there is damage to the premises due to a covered cause of loss resulting in a slowdown or suspension of operations. But how does it work?

• Keeping the financial statements functioning as they would have if no impairment had occurred
• By helping to retain key employees
• By helping to retain customers

In short, the business income is defined as net income (net income or loss before income taxes) that would have been earned and continuing operating expenses, including wages. The cover applies during the recovery period which is defined as the time period which usually starts 72 hours after the loss or direct physical damage occurs. It ends at the date the property in the described premises is repaired, rebuilt or replaced with reasonable speed and similar quality or the date on which the companies resumed at a new permanent location.

The cover of the general corporate income also includes cover additional costs. The additional costs are necessary expenses incurred during the restoration period to avoid or minimize the company's suspension. Some examples would be increased rent, advertising costs, and temporary premises. It is recommended to always include additional expenses in connection with your business income coverage.

Other considerations include a cover with this option without limit the actual loss suffered covers the actual loss without specific limit, and limiting the recovery period to 3 or 6 months to lower the premium. A provision coinsurance could penalize the insured if the limit of the insurance coverage is not equal to or greater than a specified percentage of the actual corporate income exposure, both carriers offer an agreed amount (not co-insurance) option. Coverage of business Contingent income can be significant coverage for manufacturers or suppliers to consider. This coverage applies when there is a loss of a dependent property such as your material supplier, or a loss in a manufacturing plant that provides products distribution center.

The importance of properly ensure the exposure of your business income can not be overstated. It can literally keep your business afloat after a major loss. Talk to your trusted independent insurance agent to determine the limits and conditions for proper coverage. It may be wise to include your accountant in this conversation as well!

Have you ever had to rely on the cover of business income after a loss? I would like to hear your story below.

The benefits described here are in the most general terms and are subject to conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, please refer to the policy or contact your agent Central.

With summer holidays end well rounded, parents spend a lot of time to get their children ready for school. New school supplies, haircuts, and special outings to late summer, all play into the routine of returning to school. Here are some other things that parents can do for themselves and their children to ensure a smooth transition into the school year.

Establish a bedtime and waking routine in advance . If possible, it is best to establish bedtimes and waking hours per two weeks before the start of school. By the time the first school bell rings, children will have the right sleeping schedule and it will be one less worry for your family.

Get to know new teachers . There will be open houses, orientations, and other meet and greet options at the beginning of the school year, but no one will give you the chance to spend quality time getting to know your children's teachers. Try to find a few minutes before or after school to connect one-on-one with teachers.

Plan lunches and snacks healthy. The better you plan meals in your home, the healthiest choices you make for your children. When filling snacks and meals rich in protein, balanced with fruits, vegetables and other nutrients, make sure that your children will have the energy and brainpower to do so through their school days .

Organize clothes. Of course, you'll need to make a donation or to get rid of clothes that your children have exceeded the contrary, but you must also take the time to carefully organize what's left. From there, decide what items you may need before the start of school.

Talk to your children about bullying . Research shows that one in three children experience bullying at some point in their career school and the world increasingly digital, the consequences can be extreme. Make sure your children understand the proper way to treat their peers, and when to say if they see someone else being bullied.

Ask your children about their concerns . The start of school is exciting, but can also bring some anxiety, especially when it comes to the unknown. Take a few minutes to ask your children what they are most looking forward to during the school year, and what things can be the worry.

These helpful tips can make a return to the transition smoother and more fun school for the youngest pupils. Happy New Year!

The calm surface of water you can see your reflection. The sun's rays warm your skin and the birds singing in the distance. These can only mean one thing - fishing! Ok, so maybe you did not imagine fishing. Maybe you describe your own perfect vacation at a lake, beach or pool, but for me, fishing is the ultimate hobby for summer.

You see, my father and I were the best fishermen around, or so it always leaves me to believe. For years, we have taken on the lakes of the region of three states to participate in bass fishing tournaments. We won some and lost some, but the memories and life lessons will live forever in me.

One of the lessons of life was patience. Have you ever been at the receiving end of an impatient person? It may come off as rude and you inconvenience that can leave you feeling depressed and undervalued. Imagine if a medical provider was eager - to feel like they support the real problem or could they be missing something life changing? What if a parent became impatient with the learning of their child; how this might affect the child in their future endeavors, even in adulthood?

In our hectic, instant results kind of world, patience is a virtue to die. It is essential in all aspects of life, including personal relationships and your career, it is essential to learn and maintain the art of patience. In fishing, you're fish thank you. Of course, you can have the fanciest boat, attack, or Fish Finder you want, but if the fish are not interested, the only thing you catch a sunburn is

Whatever scenario or your role -. Parent, consumer, employee, service provider, and yes, fisherman - practicing patience can be very rewarding. Patience may encourage confidence; it can inspire someone to try something new or not renounce something old; it can even be edifying to his senses. As a representative of customer service, I find myself having a better day I practice patience. I encourage you to try it yourself; you may just find you enjoy a very satisfying day!

So if you're waiting on the day's catch or save lives, the practice of patience is something we are all capable of. me a line below and let me know when you have practiced patience and the overall effect it had.

Ready or not, the holiday season is here. In addition to celebrating with family and friends, many people celebrate by decorating their homes. However, this tradition comes an increased risk of fire. Based on data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U. S. Fire Administration (USFA), about 240 house fires with Christmas trees and 150 home fires involving Christmas lights occur each year. So before you go out and try to recreate the lighting of the show Clark Griswold, let's review some safety tips for the holidays.

Christmas trees

when ignited, a natural Christmas tree "dry" can become the prey flames in seconds, the rapid spread of fire. If you choose a natural tree, remember:

• Select a fresh tree with green needles that do not fall to the touch
• Cut about 2 inches above the base of. the trunk before placing it in the bracket to allow better absorb water tree. Check water the tree every day and keep it watered.
• Keep heat sources (fireplaces, oven vents, portable heaters, candles, etc.) at least 3 feet away from the tree.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Turn off tree lights before going to bed or when you leave your house.
• once Christmas is over, take the tree and dispose quickly.
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home.

Holiday Lights

• always use lights that are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed. Look for the UL label.
• Only use lights designed specifically for outdoor use in exterior decoration. Lights designed for indoor use will not stand the weather.
• Inspect old strands of lights for worn or cracked insulation, cracked sockets, son presentations, etc. Replace worn or damaged lamps.
• Consider using smaller "mini" style lights. They burn cooler than the larger bulbs, old style.
• Do not overload electrical circuits. Typically, no more than three strands of lights are to be connected to each other. Follow the instructions on the package.

You can also watch our video "Holiday Safety Tips" for these tips and more. Give the gift of safety this holiday season! Feel free to share the Please additional holiday safety tips here.

You heard colleagues, co-founders and co-signers. But have you ever heard of co-insurance?

The co-insurance clause is a provision that requires you to carry enough insurance on your property so that the amount of coverage is equal to a certain percentage of the property value (usually 80% 0% or 100%). Why is this important? Because if you do not respond to that percentage of the value your insurance coverage and experience a loss, you will essentially not enough coverage to pay for your entire loss.

for the purpose of co-insurance is to limit the liability of the insurer must pay, under equity in premium costs. While you can wear a lower limit of coverage needed to save money bonus, you then face the possibility that when you experience a total loss, you will not be reimbursed for the full replacement cost of the property. However, most of the losses are partial losses, and the probability of a total loss is relatively low. You may be tempted to keep your insurance coverage limit lower than it should be, by chance a total loss can never happen. When buying coverage for a lower limit, you pay less money bonus if the limit was the amount it should be. This means that you will receive less coverage. Essentially, the premium paid is gained coverage.

Confusing, no? Here is an example. For example, say you have a house insured for $ 100,000 and the base coinsurance is 80%. Let's also say that the replacement value of the building cost is really $ 150,000. Based on the value of the replacement cost, and the percentage of coinsurance of 80%, you should ensure the building for $ 0,000 at least. This amount satisfy the requirement of co-insurance. But let's say you bought a coverage limit that is lower than that figure, and then undergo a partial loss of $ 10,000 in damages. Because you do not meet the coinsurance percentage, the amount of coverage you will receive for your loss is reduced proportionally. The formula is simply put:

DID divided by time SHOULD AMOUNT OF LOSS

This means that the amount of insurance that was purchased, divided by the amount should have. was purchased determines how your insurer that actually pay. So for this example: 10,000

$ 100,000 / $ 0,000 = 5/6 or 83% x $ = $ 8.300

The 83% is the factor that is applied to the amount of loss , which is $ 10,000. . This equates to $ 8,300. Since the total damages were $ 10,000, the insurer will pay $ 8,300, and you have to pay for the remaining $ 1,700 in damages from your own pocket. If you had bought the $ 0,000 limit, the demand for $ 10,000 was paid in full by your insurance company.

When recording a small premium now may seem a good option when you actually experience a partial or total loss, you will end up paying much more out of your own pocket. At the same time, property values ​​change in time due to various circumstances in the economy. These include the cost of materials and labor to repair or replace damaged property. A building that cost $ 100,000 in labor and materials in 1950, would probably cost much more in 2013.

There is an alternative: the amount agreed clause. With this clause, your insurer agrees to waive the requirement of co-insurance, so you are no longer required to maintain a specified based on the percentage of coinsurance. The advantage of the clause agreed amount is that there was never a chance that you will have reduced the amount of your loss. The supplied amount of insurance is "agreed" by both the insurer and the

Most companies still require the insured to have a certain percent of the insured property to the best of their knowledge but often insured. A credit is provided. Typically, a property values ​​statement signed by the insured is required to activate the clause. As an insured, it is best to discuss your property lines with your agent. Your agent will contact the insurer if help is needed to determine the appropriate amount of insurance to purchase.

Have you coinsurance clause on your policy? Have you ever experienced a loss when coinsurance clause came into play? I would like to hear about your experience!

How do you know that get the "value" of your insurance policy? Can you save money and get more coverage on your insurance policies?

The answer is yes ... but we must ask the right questions. Questions like "Do all companies offer the same or similar coverage?" The answer is no ... but how do you know?

For example, let's say your car is parked at work and storm lines your area and this one event damage to both your car and your house. is your company offers a waiver of deductible option? with this option, if you have a covered loss involving both your car and home, the company only uses the larger deductible (provided you have both policies insured with the company.) so in this case, if your policy deductible of home insurance is $ 1,000 and your car insurance policy "other than collision" franchise is $ 500, the company applies a maximum $ 1,000 deductible for this unique event, saving you another franchise $ 500!

Some companies do not offer this option, but, again, do you ask this type of coverage question? Probably not. Does your agent? Hopefully yes, but to find a qualified and experienced independent insurance agent can be a daunting task. Just like when you are looking for a good doctor, lawyer or other professional, would you not do research on your insurance agent to find the professional that meets your needs?

Here are some tips on what to a good agent:

• How long have they been in business? What is their experience? If you pick the players for a sports team do you want someone who knows the game?
• Do they know and help your community?
• What are their professional relationship? Look for organizations that belong to industry associations such as agents and brokers of America (IIABA) or the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Independent Insurance. Also look for an agent who is designated as a trusted agent Choice. Choice trust agents offer competitive prices, a wide range of products and unparalleled advocacy.
• What do they continue their education on current trends and insurance regulations? Look for agents who have an insurance advisor certified designation (CIC). There are a host of other highly qualified designations that an agent could include Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU).

I'm sure there are many other characteristics of a good independent insurance agent to discuss but ask these questions can give you the "right" start your search for a professional of qualified insurance to represent you. What do you look elsewhere in an insurance agent?

The business owners have a variety of responsibilities and concerns with the management of their own business. One of the most important decisions you will make as a business owner is how to properly insure your property. Here is a video link for "ACV vs. replacement cost: What coverage is good for you?", Which introduced the concepts of VCA (Value) and the replacement cost

covers the cost of replacing insured for the amount it will take to rebuild their business in the same place using the same type of materials. For example, as we see in the video, Sue is able to rebuild his restaurant with one of similar materials and in the same location. However, Sue may choose to reconstruct elsewhere.

Bob, on the other hand, has an ACV coverage. A method of determining the ACV is the cost to rebuild less depreciation. Depreciation is defined as the loss of property value due to obsolescence, time and wear. LCA tends to be a cheaper option of coverage because it is based on the depreciated value of the building and not the cost of the reconstruction of a new building. The insurance company would pay Bob hovercraft and could use the money to rebuild, buy goods elsewhere or not rebuild at all.

It is extremely important for you as business owners to discuss the advantages and disadvantages coverage with your insurance agent. The situation of each business owner is unique and your agent can help you make the best decision for your business.

The benefits described here are in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions of real political and exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your agent Central.

Many employees drive cars from the company for their duties related to work. But if the company car was your only car? Even as an employee of the company, it is likely that you are not on the automotive business policy of the company.

So what happens when you borrow your neighbor's car to run some errands on the weekend? This situation can leave you with serious gaps in coverage. As part of a business auto policy, people who use a car borrowed for personal use are not covered, even if the policy covers cars hired or borrowed. The individual must be listed as an insured on the policy automotive business of the company to have coverage.

Eliminating these gaps in coverage can be complicated. Although there is no simple solution, you have some options.

First, check with your employer to make sure you are allowed to use your company car for personal use. If you are not authorized to use the vehicle for personal use, then you must ensure that you have a personal automobile policy; and, of course, do not use the company car for personal use.

Even if your company gives you permission to use your company car for personal use, you probably will not be covered for the vehicles you borrow or rent. Here are two options for this type of situation:

• Purchase of non-owner named Auto Policy. These policies are for those who do not own cars, but coverage of desire for cars they borrow or rent on their behalf. Coverage can be limited coverage and some exclusions may apply, so be sure to ask your agent regarding this policy.
• Ask your company that you add to its policy of automobile business with another car drive endorsement. It adds the person (s) named in the approval and their spouses while using a covered car for personal use. Again, coverage may be limited and exclusions may apply.

There are some other options available depending on your personal situation. Whenever possible your best bet is to buy a personal automobile insurance policy. It is difficult to match the insurance coverage included in a personal auto policy with regard to the situations listed above. Another advantage of buying a personal auto policy is that lately, the home insurance market has experienced a rapid increase in premiums. Buying a personal automobile insurance policy can save you money on your home insurance as most companies offer multi-policy discount.

The insurance cover for you and your company car can be complicated. The options I noted here are a few that are available. Make sure to review your situation with your independent insurance agent to be sure you are protected.

The warranties described above are in the most general terms and are subject to conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the wording of the cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your independent agent.

For passionate customers, you need 'passionate employees. Employees must be empowered to do the right thing and be prepared to walk a mile in the shoes of their clients. After all, your customers are not only relevant to your product, but also your employees.

Studies show if you have strong, positive mentors, you will strong and positive you. I think this is incredibly true! This kind of positive attitude begins with the CEO and trickles down in the workforce of the company. For those who have a position in which others look to you (manager, supervisor, etc.), the pressure is on! Those who work for you or you may take your attitude; "Happy Hildas" can make a happy group, productive employees. "Debbie Downers," not so much

Here's how to be happy and avoid Hilda Debbie Downer :.

• Say "Hello." One word, Amazing Results!
• Stay positive. We all have bad days and not the life of a person is the same as that of someone else. So if you come across a person with Debbie Downer, try to be friendly, but careful not to exceed your limits or let you down.
• Be grateful. Life is full of challenges and some people have bad luck, but everyone has something to be thankful for. When you are in a bad mood try to think of five things that make you smile.
• Take an interest. Taking an interest in the life of an internal or external customer helps build rapport and makes that person feel special.
• Take the time to really listen. If you listen to not only what someone says, but the way they tell you, you will understand not only what they say but what they feel.
• Give positive reinforcement. When an internal or external customer did something and they do it well, give them praise. For example, if you help your customer sign on your website and they did not think they would be able to understand, be sure to congratulate them when they do!

We all control our attitudes. Are You a Downer Debbie Hilda or happy?

In today's world there is much emphasis on doing more with less. This Has Its Perks Obviously, it aussi goal: has a significant negative impact That can be Often Overlooked. Employees Who are Pushed to the max are at Risk of Being overstressed and Ultimately burning out. Burnout Reduces productivity and takes a toll on individual's health.

What are the signs and symptoms of burnout?

• Feeling tired and drained MOST of the time
• Changes in appetite or sleep habits
• Frequent headaches, back pain, muscle Aches
• Lowered immunity, feeling sick a lot
• Sense of failure and self-doubt
• Loss of motivation
• Taking out your frustrations on others
• Skipping work or coming in late and leaving early

How can you deal with or prevent prevention burnout?

• Communication. Workers Who learn to talk together and talk with Their supervisor will be less Likely to reach a breaking points.
• Give authority workers. Supervisors and managers shoulds be aware the more work you give someone, the more control you shoulds aussi give em.
• Treat yourself. Go and get yourself That massage or schedule That afternoon tee time. Everyone deserves a break every once in a while.
• Give Credit Where Credit is Due. Everyone enjoys aims compliment Unfortunately they're simply not given as frequently As They shoulds be.
• Take a daily break from technology. Set aside time every day to disconnect completely Call from your laptop, phone and tablet.
• Build a support system. Surround yourself with friends and family.
• Eat healthy, exercise, and adopt healthy sleeping habits. Studies show That Those Who follow thesis guidelines are More Likely to-have energy and be reliable to handle life's hassles and demands.
• Utilize your company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Receive That the gold bracket counseling can help you.

We all-have busy schedules, whether it be in or out of the workplace, goal we all need to put our own needs first once in a while. Do you have Any suggestions for ways to Avoid gold deal with burnout?

My neighbors recently bought a trampoline for their children. Shortly after they met on trampoline, my children asked if they could jump. They were very surprised by my answer. Although many parents may see the trampoline as a fun and engaging way for children to exercise, the risk of serious and catastrophic injuries should make you think twice about this activity.

My neighbors tried to convince me that the trampoline is a safe activity, especially with the safety net. While the net does not reduce the chance of being thrown out of the trampoline, there is no security. The truth is, most injuries occur due to collisions with other children, bad landing or landing on the side rail. You've heard the expression, "What goes up, must come down", and due to the laws of physics, plus one child jumps, the more impact.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System estimates that 98,000 trampoline injuries occurred in 09, the latest year for which statistics are available, resulting in 3,100 hospitalizations. About 75% of trampoline injuries occur when multiple people are jumping with children five years and unless a greater risk of significant injury. This risk increases when you have a small child jumping with older children. Fractures and dislocations account for 48% of injuries. common injuries in all age groups include sprains, strains and bruises. However, serious injury, life-changing, such as the spinal cord and nerve damage may occur.

Many people do not recognize the risks or even the liability associated with having a recreational trampoline. Most home insurance policies have trampoline exclusions charge a higher premium, or the mandate they are in enclosed areas with restricted access. And let me be clear: I am referring to outdoor trampolines; . Not those in gymnastics centers under the direct supervision and guidance or small indoor models used for core-toning

Here are some safety measures to reduce the risk of injury by jumping on Recreational trampolines:

• children under 6 years should not be allowed to jump.
• allow only one rider at a time.
• Leave no flips or tricks.
• jump should always occur under the direct supervision of a competent adult who is willing to apply and to moderate the trampoline rules.
• do not be lulled into a false sense of security just because a trampoline safety nets or other protective equipment.

As you can guess, my answer was a firm "NO" to my children. As parents, we must make unpopular choices. But provide a safe loving environment where our children can become healthy adults is our most important.

Do you have a trampoline? What was your experience?

For more on this, see this article.

I'm on the road almost every day for work and there is not a day that goes by that I don 't see a driver texting distracts far as they drive down a busy road. The statistics on distracted driving are alarming. The number of deaths due to distracted driving should exceed those of alcohol-related accidents by 2014. Yet, no matter how terrible we hear statistics, it just does not seem to help solve the problem.

Whether you are a concerned parent or a business owner with a fleet of vehicles, you want to keep your family or employees safe when they are on the road. This leads me to one of my favorite modern question: are an app for that

The short answer is YES, there are several applications to help us stay safe on the road ?. What is available essentially falls into three categories. The first category, I will call "The system of honor." These applications allow you to voluntarily lock your phone in a safe mode while driving. They have a variety of follow-up plans that will allow you to assign your teen or employee choosing to do the right thing. These applications will promote good behavior, but will not always eliminate the risk.

the second category, I call you "I can not do it . "These are mainly applications that help you avoid texting in a variety of ways, from automated replies to messages that tell the sender that you are busy driving, a button preprogrammed responses and other text messages hands aids -free.

the third category I call "Eliminate temptation." These applications literally eliminate the ability text while driving. Your phone is locked and can not be used while driving, except to call 911 or the receipt of an incoming call handsfree

Some of these applications :.

http: // txtblocker.com/

it can be used for a family or a fleet. It helps to stop texting while driving by allowing you to set up "no cell areas" that limit cell phone use by the places and specific times. It has both an annual option payment and a monthly option from $ 6.99 per month.

http://www.cellcontrol.com/

This is both the family and the fleet. It uses a small, easy to install device inside the car to detect movement and stop the use of cell phones. Its starting price is $ 89.99, but seems to do the job.

http://www.kyrusmobile.com/

This is designed for the owner of the company's fleet. Features and tracking components seem to be the best friend of a fleet manager. However, as most of the options of the fleet, you must call for pricing.

The next time you are tempted to send a text while driving or seeing someone else texting while driving, remember ... there's an app for that!

"I sent my check there two weeks and you still have not?!? received "

" I thought I programmed that through my payroll service? "

" I completely forgot to make my payment! "

it are a few things we hear when making phone calls in the service department customer. and each of them could be prevented with three simple letters :! EFT

what is EFT? I'm glad you asked. EFT stands for electronic funds transfer and it is an easy, fast and secure for you to make your payments. you can use EFT to pay all kinds of bills: utilities, insurance, credit cards, cell phones most companies now offer this option that will electronically debit your checking or savings account to. due date of the invoice. Pay by EFT means that your payment will always be on time, every time - no more late fees! It saves time and money because it eliminates the need to write checks and pay the shipping costs. You will no longer have to deal with unpredictable time messaging hassle and the chance of your payment being lost in the mail. Many companies will also waive service fees if you sign up for EFT. And of course, if you are the ecological type, it is a great was to save paper and resources!

I've mentioned some benefits of listing in this option. Why do you use EFT?

Forty million Americans collectively owe $ 1.2 trillion student loan debt ¹ . WOW! When you take a moment to think about it, it is not surprising with the rising cost of tuition, supplies, textbooks and living expenses.

One of the biggest regrets you might have after finishing college is that you have not asked enough (or any) scholarships. Unfortunately, you may be one of many students realizing how much free money is there now it's too late.

You can do a quick search on Google and find many websites list of scholarships available for virtually every course of study and for everyone to single mothers grandchildren of Vietnam veterans. A great start is to Scholarships.com. The great thing about scholarships is that you do not have to repay - no monthly payments, no fee, no interest. It is the "free" money!

If you have not installed on a college major, see the blog post "An industry full of opportunity." There is a growing need for a wide variety of skills within this diverse industry and you might be surprised to learn that there are many more that "number crunching."

Not only is a career award from the insurance industry, there are also many scholarship opportunities available if you're looking to jump into this course of study! Here are some sites to check:

Griffith Insurance Education Foundation

Foundation of America Insurance Exchange

INVEST

You can also check with your section local insurance agent or carrier that can offer scholarships in your area.

Scholarship Application takes time and effort, but it finally pays off in the end. Thank you to several insurance exchanges, I has been able to significantly reduce the cost of my college, concentrate on my university, and gain valuable experience.

Have you ever been the recipient of a scholarship? Please share how it has benefited you!

¹ Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Watch our video to hear our employees share why they value their career in the insurance industry!

Posted by Kelsey Hoehn.

I recently asked my three best friends (because I knew they would give me honest answers) about what comes to their minds when I tell them that I want to work in insurance. They responded with,

"Well, honestly, I think the people sitting in the office and typing a bunch of numbers ... so maybe a little boring."

"very tedious work, dealing with crazy people, and a lot of percentages."

'office work, crisp number, and maybe have to observe a loss of site. "

I find these answers be rather stereotypical, and as underwriting trainee I learn quickly that the insurance industry can provide excellent opportunities for many people in many different areas. After observing several different departments, I learned what are some of the important aspects and skills it takes to make the insurance industry are working:

Communication Skills . Everyone communicates. For example, insurers constantly negotiate and talk with agents to provide the best coverage at the best price for the security and coverage for the policyholder. Representatives of services responding to calls to the insured telephone and must be able to quickly make decisions and draw knowledge by answering questions.

Analytical skills . Analytics play a major role in insurance. They are used to determine whether rates should increase or decrease to better meet the needs of society, while remaining competitive. They are also used when discovering the best way to market a product with an agent.

investigative skills. Investigate is used daily by insurance adjusters, insurers, actuaries, and others. Underwriters must investigate the dangers of their risks through the inspection and collection of detailed information safe while claims must investigate allegations through careful interviewing, reviewing police reports and other documents, and damage assessment.

Information and Knowledge Technology . Many insurance companies to implement and use their own computer systems and programs, which means that ingenuity is a must. The growing demand for systems quick and easy pace using the computer, mobile technology and web responsive design providing extensity solving opportunities for specialists in computer problem.

So you can see that is much more than a sector "number crunching". Not only are there many different skills within the insurance industry, the industry is growing which means there is a large employment opportunities for a rewarding and satisfying career. If you enter a college, a recent college graduate, or just looking for a career change, consider looking at the insurance industry!

Watch this video to see how to extinguish a cooking oil fire.

cooking fires are the number one cause of two house fires and related injuries in the fire. is cooking unattended nearly 0 percent of these fires.

Statistic should be a revelation is that more than half of non-fatal cooking fire reported injuries occurred when people tried to beat themselves on fire. Most of them are incorrect techniques such as use of water to combat a grease fire.

Whether frying, grilling or use a grill, there is never a safe time to leave cooking food unattended. If you need to remove food, turn off the cooker. When cooking, regularly check and never leave the house with something in the oven.

Keep the area clear of anything that can catch fire such as oven mitts, towels or cooking food packaging. Loose clothing can also be a hazard when cooking. Wear short sleeves or near the body when cooking and be aware of loose aprons that can dangle on the burners.

If the cooking oil begins to boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool before adding the food. If the oil catches fire, use an oven mitt and slide a lid or cover the pan or use a hob. Having a readily available over the counter top, even if you do not use it, is a good idea in case of fire. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen is another good idea.

The most important tip on kitchen fires is to call 911 and let the professionals help you! For more on the kitchen lights, see our blog post fire in Apartment B? Check the stove!

Autumn is here and the baseball season is heading towards its conclusion. I grew up playing baseball and like always follow the game on many levels. My father was my baseball coach in my younger years, both in court and formally for my youth league team. Last year, things came full circle when I began the softball team coaching my daughter.

I could go on for some length about the personal significance of training for me, but my goal here is to answer some questions that I considered seriously until I started training. Is there a risk of liability involved in sports coaching youth on a voluntary basis? Do I need additional insurance to ensure that I am protected in case of an injury to a player or an unusual complaint made by a parent of young athletes?

The answer to the first question is a resounding "yes". With metal bats used, hit balls in play, and the hard slide into bases, there is always the possibility of an unexpected injury. It may be unlikely that injury would be serious, a parent or a volunteer coach continue after an injury, but if a wound is serious enough to warrant this type of action? A parent may have signed a waiver that protects the league, but it is unlikely that the agreement protects an individual coach.

Regarding the issue of insurance, some organizations may offer you the opportunity to get coverage through a coaching certification program. If this type of coverage is not available, your personal insurance comes in. A good policy owners provide a personal liability coverage, usually in an amount ranging from $ 300 thousand to 1 million dollars. To an unintentional injury, the policy will protect and defend you up to the amount of coverage purchased. Keep in mind, because of the conditions of the policy, the coverage will not be available in most situations for a coach who is compensated.

An opportunity for additional coverage available with a personal umbrella policy. For a reasonable premium, personal umbrella policy will provide additional limits over the policy owner and the excess coverage of auto liability. I was never aware as a young baseball player, but my parents had a political umbrella while my father was baseball coach. In fact, I found out later it was recommended that their independent agent of our family. To learn more about how a personal umbrella policy can be useful, watch our video 101 insurance :. Personal Umbrella Policy

If you are coaching youth sports and you want to review your coverage or exhibitions, contact your local independent insurance agent. It will be much easier for you to focus on helping our young athletes to succeed in the knowledge that you are protected if the unexpected happens.

The policy covers described above are in the most general terms and are subject to actual policy exclusions and conditions. For specific coverage details and exclusions of the policy, refer to the policy itself or contact an independent agent.

This week is the Week of National School Bus Safety. With approximately 26 million children in the United States on the bus to school every day, we all need to be reminded of security specific risks that accompany the school bus. Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Give yourself plenty of time when drop the kids at school. Avoid having to be patient "Rush." ​​-. Children are not always the same concern for schedules that we adults are
• Supervise children to cycling and walking, especially in the morning and after school hours. Children can be unpredictable and can not remember to look both ways when crossing the street or walking to / from the school bus. Take a few extra seconds to look for kids at intersections.
• Do not talk or text on cell phones while driving (including "hands free" devices), especially in school zones. In some states, the use of cell phone is illegal in school zones (check your local laws). child pedestrians are more concentrated in school zones and drivers need to concentrate on driving. No call or text is worth the risk.
• School buses make frequent stops, so be alert. Watch for flashing lights:
  • lights flashing amber indicate the school bus is preparing to stop
  • flashing red lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopped and loading or unloading children ..
  • All 50 states require traffic in both directions to stop on undivided roads when a school bus is loading or unloading. State laws vary as to the requirements of the divided roads (check your local laws). However, traffic traveling in the same direction as the school bus is always required to stop. Stop well back of a stopped school bus, at least 10 feet.

These are just a few tips. For more tips, see the school Bus Safety Tip Sheet Central. Keep our children safe, not only this week but throughout the school year long!

When we hear the words Global Positioning System (better known as GPS), we normally think of the vehicle or technology navigation systems satellite. But there are many uses for GPS that we can benefit. Here are some possibilities of how we can use the GPS in our lives everyday.

• feel safer when calling from your cell phone 911. Using GPS, emergency personnel can locate your location.
• Get emergency roadside assistance with the touch of a button your vehicle exactly where and when you need them.
• Keep track of children or elderly family members.
• There are now pet collars with GPS so you can find your lost pet.
• you can get to your appointment or destination faster by finding the right directions or a shortcut.
• Find a good restaurant or other attractions near your current location.
• Track your.
• track luggage, laptops, and anything of importance while traveling and find family or friends in a crowded concert, graduation, or any social gathering.
• Stay physically active and fit by playing cell phone games based on GPS technology.

now is a good time to learn more about the GPS so you can enjoy this truly amazing technology. What other uses have you found for GPS technology?

Employers implement new drugs hire testing programs to protect their businesses from the impact of drug abuse before making hiring decisions to promote a safe and stable working environment for their employees. But what are the options if an employee is suspected of drug use after being hired?

It begins with a policy of strong drugs and alcohol. The integration of reasonable suspicion testing will impact the security and employee productivity. This type of test is an agreement between the employer and employee, and should not be used for ambush employees. It must indicate who and when to test, how to document the activity of reasonable suspicion, and what actions will be taken. Employees should know that they are subject to reasonable suspicion testing before use.

The supervisors must be trained on reasonable suspicion of signs, symptoms, and documentation. Determinations must be made on current information and no previous behavior or hearsay. Determine if and when an employee must be tested to a reasonable suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be based on specific events.

More importantly, never let the employee under suspicion driving a company vehicle or drive for business purposes. Imagine that could be at fault in an accident on the way to a drug test because you suspected disability.

When properly administered, reasonable suspicion testing is an accurate and reliable test method that can help both deter and detect drug and alcohol use at work, and increasing the safety and productivity of your employees. What drug testing policies are in place in your business?

I am interested in the health and well-being at a very young age, partly because of my own struggles for health, but because my mother is a fan of alternative health. She is our family doctor for all purposes, and under his able care my family members have rarely had to go to a real doctor.

One of the most important aspects of maintaining good health is naturally sleep and in this day and age one of the causes more frequent lack of sleep is the Internet and the use of video games and abuse. One estimate I found, some 10 percent of those who play video games do exhibit symptoms of addiction, and a similar percentage of Internet users are also hooked. The symptoms of addiction include: ..

• Concern with Internet gaming or video when engaged in other activities
• Minimize the amount of time spent in computer
• lack of control over the amount of time spent on the computer.
• loss of time when playing on the computer.
• Lying about how much time is spent on the computer.
• depression, anger and mood swings when you're away from the computer.

These dependencies have physical and social consequences of carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches to poor personal hygiene and as I mentioned earlier, the lack of sleep. The light from these devices can get rid of your body clock and disrupt your natural sleep patterns.

Fortunately, we are free moral agents with the capacity to change our behavior, no matter how entrenched and addictive it can be. Many of the steps in the test of time for recovery from addiction would undoubtedly apply to Internet abuse and video games, but here are some tips on how to break free from this addiction based on my own experience as "addict" recovery:

• Think about what motivates you to participate in these activities. Pleasure or a distraction from something else? Think of the Internet and games as something that you use rather than the reverse.
• Set a goal of making good choices rather than simply stop doing bad. You may not even realize how you feel - especially if you grew up with these inventions - until you have stopped using them for a while
• Prepare mentally for some of withdrawal symptoms like and find. activities to occupy your time. Achieving these symptoms are temporary and eventually you will be adapt to living with less computer time.
• Remember that people who have lived without our Internet and video games for thousands of years. Can we really call free people if we are so psychologically dependent on these inventions?
• Be comfortable with the idea of ​​doing nothing. We as a society have forgotten what it means to really relax. Consider adopting things like prayer, meditation and guided relaxation as a means wind down.
• Think of your mind as you think about your body. Just as you are what you eat, your mind is a product of all the images and information that you are exposed.

With a little discipline and patience, you can yourself or someone you care about Free of this dependence. Take it from someone who has been there, done that and got the t-shirt. You will not regret it

Imagine you go out of your favorite restaurant or outside the mall after a day of shopping only to find your bumper suspended vehicle. You look around to see if there is another vehicle with damage because, after all, misery loves company. As luck would have it, this life experience is yours alone to bear.

Your first thought might be to look for someone who may have witnessed the impact, but there is nobody around. Then you remember that one New Year's resolution was to have more faith in the company and you think, "surely someone left a note to assume full responsibility for the damage!" You check your windshield. No note. Now what?

Hit-and-run accidents are frequent. Generally, at least one accident hit and run is reported on a daily basis, so you're not alone. The first thing you should do is a minor scene investigation. If you have a smart phone, get pictures of the damage to your vehicle at the scene. Look around the parking area for surveillance cameras. Companies often have them for security reasons and to have a general video up. If a surveillance camera recorded your accident, the video could help local authorities identify the responsible party. Check with the company and see if you can get a copy of the video, but I advise you to get the video within 24 hours that many backup with video cameras are set to record a loop and on them- same in one day.

Then, contact the local police or a private security firm to patrol the area. This is an important step if you hope to file the incident as a loss of uninsured motorist. Most car insurance policies require that you report a hit-and-run local authorities for coverage to apply.

Finally, contact your insurance agent to report your loss. They contact your insurance company and your expert can guide you in the next phase of the process.

A hit-and-run is anything but fun, but with a quick action on your part, you might be able to avoid paying the price!

Anyone who drives with a certain frequency has probably witnessed a rage incident at the wheel. Maybe you were on the receiving end of this dangerous behavior. Or maybe you were the aggressive driver.

The Security Administration of National Highway (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property. " According safemotorist.com, 66 percent of road accidents are caused by aggressive driving. Half of the drivers who are at the receiving end of aggressive behavior, such as honking, rude gestures, tailgating or admit to respond with aggressive behavior. During a seven-year period, 218 murders and 12.610 injuries were attributed to road rage. Yes, I said murder

Safemotorist.com offers a litmus test for the drivers to identify themselves as a possible "road rage" :.

• Do you frequently use your phone while driving, or otherwise driving distracted?
• do you keep your lights on, regardless of the oncoming traffic?
• Do you change lanes or make turns without using your turn signal?
• you are unable to check your blind spot before moving ways to make sure you are not cutting someone off?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is possible that you are sensitive to road rage.

I really do not want to go too deeply into the cause of road rage because the subject becomes less on statistics and more on behavior, mental health, and many other factors that are difficult to discuss in depth in this short message. However, I should point out that we all make choices every day. We can choose to find a way to forgive small mistakes others do on the road because we all make mistakes. The vehicles can not communicate like humans therefore could easily misinterpret an action to be aggressive, when in reality it was not. Unfortunately, we do not have an "Oops, I'm so sorry, I did" the signal.

Defensive driving should come into the picture every time you drive. Prowling. Look at what others are doing, and above all not to be distracted so that you lower the potential to make a mistake yourself.

So what is the best way to handle road rage? NHTSA offers aggressive driving brochure with the following tips:

• Get Out of the Way. First of all make every effort to get out of their way.
• Put your pride aside. Do not challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold yourself in your travel lane.
• Avoid contact with eyes. Eye contact can sometimes enrage an aggressive driver.
• Gestures. Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
• aggressive driving Serious Report. You or a passenger can call the police. But, if you use a cell phone, get to a safe place.

For more information on road rage and aggressive driving, visit the website of the NHTSA or safemotorist.com. Above all, do not let irritation with other drivers turn into a state of rage. Keep calm and carry on!

Spring and summer are popular seasons for family gatherings. Graduation party weddings to family reunions, it is common for the host family to rent a room or a park pavilion. As a host family, you can not have enough space at home and / or may be easier to take the party elsewhere - less preparation and disorder at home! However, the transfer of part of your home to rent means that you transfer a liability as well. Do cover your home insurance policy to extend liability to the rental agency?

Good news! There is coverage under the policy owner for this type of situation. The policy owner believes "Any part of a local occasionally rented to an insured for purposes other than business to be an insured location." The owner policy has not, however, extend coverage to the owner of the leased property. It extends only personal liability coverage the insured to the rental location.

Many party venues that offer leasing require proof that the host has at least one limit of $ 1 million personal responsibility! Wow, looks great, right? Unfortunately, most litigious our society becomes, the more necessary a limit of $ 1 million is.

with the owner policy automatically extends personal responsibility, it solves all or part of the required limit, but how do you get $ 1 million liability limit? It is not as difficult as you might think. Some companies offer personal liability limits up to $ 1 million of their own policy. However, there are many companies that offer only liability limits up to $ 500,000. A viable solution would be a personal umbrella policy. A personal umbrella policy expands the coverage of higher liability limit the personal liability of the underlying owners. To demonstrate:

$ 500,000 owner limit personal liability $ 500,000 + Limit = $ 1,000,000 personal Umbrella

Oh happy day! You will save the wear of your home by taking the party elsewhere and extending coverage of your policies Personal lines, homeowners and umbrella, you will have the peace of mind that you will be protected against the risks of party location! Watch the video above to learn more about personal umbrella policy!

The benefits described here are in the most general terms, and subject to the conditions and actual policy exclusions. For the actual wording cover, conditions and exclusions, see the policy or contact your agent.

Subrogation - How's that for a $ .10 Insurance word? I suspect that most of you do not know what subrogation is unless you have experienced a loss involving it.

According to Black's Law Dictionary (you know it's serious when I quote a legal dictionary!) Subrogation is defined as "the principle that an insurer has paid a loss under a policy of insurance is entitled to all the rights and remedies owned by the insured against a third compared to a loss covered by the policy. "(law Dictionary, 7th Abridged ed., 00). OK, now we have defined, but does that really mean? I'll try to subrogation in practical terms to show you how it works.

Suppose you have the unfortunate experience of a fire loss from the electrical failure of a newly purchased and installed dishwasher. your insurance company will pay for your loss by the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Since the fire was the result neglect of the dishwasher manufacturer, which makes the manufacturer liable for your damages. Once your insurance company pays you for the loss, they become subrogated for payments against the dishwasher manufacturer. Normally, you would have a claim against the dishwasher manufacturer, but once your insurance company pays you for your injury, your claim against the manufacturer is transferred to your insurance company. This is called an assignment. Your insurance company then has the right to recover these payments they made to you from the dishwasher manufacturer for their responsibility in causing the fire and the resulting damage.

The insurance company will pay for the damage covered under deductible from your landlord. You will always have the right to recover your deductible and any other damage that is not paid by the insurance company of the dishwasher manufacturer. However, your insurance company will probably not be able to help you recover additional outside pocket losses not paid under the insurance policy because they have no interest or recovery of legal rights in the damage that they do not pay.

Almost every insurance policy contains a condition for insurance subrogation. This condition will usually indicate whether you have a right to waive subrogation before a loss and will give the right to an assignment against the parties responsible for the losses of the company pays for the insurance company. Furthermore, subrogation condition expose your responsibility in cooperation with the insurance company in subrogation efforts for the losses they have paid. Your insurance company can make you sign a subrogation receipt once they have paid the application that confirms the amount of the loss, the sale of the company for what they paid for and agreement to help the company to recover their payments for loss. When you try to collect expenses out of pocket against a person responsible for your damages, make sure that you do not release that part of all other damages they are responsible. This could affect your insurance company to be able to pay your claim if their rights to recovery were eliminated, breach of subrogation condition of your policy.

I hope I have given a glimpse into the world of subrogation and what it can mean to you if lost. I would like you if you have suffered losses involving subrogation to see how the claims process went for you.

I grew up in a small town in northern New York, a beautiful lake where many people enjoyed boating, water skiing and fishing. As you can imagine, life in this community of the lake was ideal for young and old. I have often heard about the big fish that were caught, family picnics and camps in various public beaches, and life guards who gave swimming lessons for young children. But the stories that touched me most were the water and accidents boating, and loss of life that occurred during my 25 years of life in the community. I remember these tragedies well because they involved people I knew from school or the community. I look back now and wonder if these water accidents could have been avoided, or at least, been less severe.

Many of these tragedies resulting from poor choices and lack of knowledge: to believe that being a good swimmer was quite good and a life jacket n ' was not necessary; fail to share with family or friends where they were going or when they would be back; failing to check the lights before boating back after dusk and crashing into a rocky area; or paying no attention to weather forecasts before boating and lose the trains because of bad weather and rough seas. I learned to use several safety tips on the basis of these terrible experiences of real life. Here are seven tips that can help ensure the safety of you and your family on the water:

1. Create a "float plan". Let a friend know when you are leaving, where you are going, when you expect to return, and what to do if you do not. Be sure to provide a description of your boat.
2. Wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD). Make sure it is the Coast Guard of the United States approved, in good condition, easily accessible, and well adjusted. Assign a PFD for each person on board.
3. Urges boat navigation lights. Make sure they are in order before leaving and keep spare bulbs on hand as backup job.
4. Keep a paddle or an oar on board if the engine quits.
5. Confirm the boat operator has completed his mandatory boat safety course.
6. Avoid alcohol while boating.
7. Ensure your boat with appropriate limits for bodily injury and property damage, medical expenses and physical damage.

other security features you should consider when boating:

• extinguishers - confirmation quantity, size and class size for your specific boat, and make sure it is loaded correctly, corrosion free, properly mounted and easily accessible
• visual distress signals such as flares, lights or EPIRB (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon)
• Anchors and online
• bilge pump or alternative device bailing
• watch or clock
• flashlight or searchlight
• fresh batteries
• horn or whistle
• FCC license (required if you have a VHF radio, radar, EPIRB or other transmitter on board)
• First Aid Kit
• Tools (you can include aftermarket accessories and lock nuts / pin)

Although the security during a boater may not be mandatory in all states, it provides essential knowledge for anyone operating a personal watercraft. It is also very important to ensure that your boat insurance is underway and the policy meets your state guidelines. So before you take to the water this summer, contact your local independent agent to discuss your insurance needs. More importantly, always have a plan, and even a backup plan, and have fun in and around water. Do you have any safety tips that you want to contribute? Please share them in the comments below!