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Colorado Insurance Blog

Author: Alexa Steffes

10 Things to do to Prepare Your Home for Fall

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Fall is a wonderful time — if your home is ready for it. So enjoy the last few weeks of warmer weather, but do a little preventative maintenance while you’re at it. You’ll fix small problems before they become big, and big ones before they become catastrophes.

Here are 10 tips to help:

  1. Look up. Examine your roof closely. Moss should be removed and debris cleared from gutters and downspouts. Repairing damage is crucial before fall weather is in full swing.
  2. Look down. Check for signs of animals and insects around your home and garage, including the basement and crawlspace. If you need help getting unwanted guests out, don’t hesitate to bring in a professional.
  3. Keep things warm. Heat escapes through leaks around windows and doors, so seal up any drafty areas. Outside, put covers over faucets before temperatures drop.
  4. Keep things dry. Drain outdoor hoses, faucets and irrigation systems. Look in the basement and crawlspace for wet spots. And make sure your water heater or boiler aren’t leaking.
  5. Clear the air (or vents and filters, at least). When’s the last time you checked your dryer vent? You should take a look at attic vents and exhaust ducts as well. And change that furnace filter, too!
  6. Take a walk. Cracks in your driveway or walkways will only get bigger, so get them fixed soon. If your deck has signs of wear, make repairs while the weather is still good.
  7. Get a tune-up. You or a professional should clean and tune your furnace, boiler and/or water heater, as well as your oven and range.
  8. Don’t play with fire. Before building your first fire of the season, check for soot or creosote build-up.
  9. Don’t play with fire extinguishers, either. But check them to ensure they still have pressure. Don’t have fire extinguishers? Put them on your shopping list, ideally one for each floor.
  10. Don’t forget those smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. Replace batteries when needed, and test regularly that alarms are working.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Top image by Flickr user Lali Masriera.

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Does My Car Insurance Cover a Rental Car?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Whether or not an auto policy will cover a rental car is one of the most common questions I hear. The truth is, that question can mean two different things, and often leads to follow-up questions.

1. Does my insurance coverage extend to a car I’m renting (like on a vacation)?

You’ll have to check with your specific policy to be absolutely certain, but in general the answer is yes. Your liability coverage should extend to a car you a renting. If you have Comprehensive and Collision coverage on your policy, that would likely extend as well at no additional cost.

2. Does my insurance policy pay the daily fee to rent a car?

This is a more complicated answer and really depends on the situation and what coverage you pay for on your policy.

If you’re going on vacation or renting a car because your car is having mechanical issues, your policy would not pay for the rental car.

If your car was damaged in an accident, by hail, or some other covered loss, then your policy would pay for the rental car as long as you have selected rental car coverage on your policy. That coverage can go by several different names depending on your insurance provider, so it may show up on your declarations page under one of the following names:

  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Loss of Use
  • Additional Expense

Generally, that coverage has both a daily maximum limit and a per occurrence maximum limit. For example, your policy could cover a rental car for up to $50 per day, with a maximum limit of $1,500 for the entire claim. That adds up to $50 per day for up to 30 days. Some policies have only a maximum per occurrence limit without a daily cap, or some have no limits at all.

Most policies also have a weight or size limit for what rentals the policy will extend to. For example, many policies won’t cover a moving truck because of the gross vehicle weight limit.  The exact limitations will vary by policy, so be sure to check yours before assuming you’ll have coverage.

If you aren’t sure what coverage or limits your policy provides, call your agent and have them go over the coverage with you.

Should I buy rental car insurance from the car rental company?

That depends on the coverage you have on your policy, and in some cases your credit card.

Some credit cards provide insurance coverage for a rental car when you pay for the rental car using that credit card. You can usually call the number on the back of the card to talk about what coverage your credit card company provides.

If you have Comprehensive and Collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, you may not need to purchase insurance from the car rental company. The risk of relying on your policy is that it generally won’t cover any additional expenses you may be charged if the rental car is damaged and not able to be rented to others while it’s being repaired. Sometimes the rental car company will charge you for the daily cost they are losing out on while they can’t rent a car that was damaged in your possession. Most auto policies won’t cover that cost, but a policy through the car rental company may.

Another benefit to buying coverage through the car rental company is that if you have a claim, it’s not on your policy. Since the claim wouldn’t be on your policy, you wouldn’t see a rate increase at the next renewal because of the claim.

At the end of the day, each person has to consider the costs and benefits of relying on their policy or buying coverage through the rental car company and decide what’s best for them.

Will my policy cover me if I rent a car in another country?

Most US auto policies only extend coverage in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. If you’re renting a car in another country, you should purchase coverage specific to that country. Every country has their own insurance requirements and laws, so even if your policy did extend you may not be meeting that country’s requirements and could end up in legal trouble.

If my car is totaled in a claim, when do I have to return the rental car that was provided?

Once your car has been deemed a total loss and your adjuster has notified you, the clock starts ticking. Your policy will only continue paying for the rental car for a limited amount of time. After that has expired, you’ll have to either pay out of pocket for the rental car or return it.

The exact time frame will depend on your insurance carrier. Each company has their own guidelines, ranging anywhere from 1 day to 1 week, or possibly longer. On average, you’ll only have a couple days to return the rental car before you have to pay out of pocket.

Luckily, it shouldn’t come as a complete surprise if your car is totaled. As long as you’ve been in regular contact with your adjuster, they should give you a heads-up that a total loss is a possibility. That way you can start your search for a new car before your car is officially deemed a total loss.

If you have any questions about insurance for rental cars, give us a call today. We’re always here to help and happy to answer any questions.

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What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Uninsured Motorist coverage pays for expenses incurred if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver that is uninsured. It’s generally coupled with Underinsured Motorist coverage, which pays for the same expenses but if the driver is considered underinsured, meaning their liability limits are lower than your chosen Underinsured Motorist limits. Those coverages together are often referred to at UM/UIM coverage.

Are you required to have Uninsured Motorist coverage?

Uninsured Motorist coverage is required in Colorado unless a signed rejection form is signed. You also have to sign a form if you elect to have your Uninsured Motorist limits lower than your liability limits.

So technically, no. You don’t have to have Uninsured Motorist coverage. But it’s recommended and you have to waive and sign away the rights to the coverage if you don’t want it.

If you choose to reject or lower your UM/UIM coverage but you don’t return the signed form in a timely fashion, the insurance company will add that coverage back to the policy and add the premium to your bills. That’s because insurance companies are required by Colorado law to either provide the coverage or retain a signed rejection or coverage selection form.

Who does it cover?

  • Drivers on the policy
  • Family members who live in the household
  • Passengers riding with an insured driver

Why is Uninsured Motorist coverage important?

In 2019, more than 16% of drivers in Colorado were uninsured. That means about 1 in every 6 drivers was driving with no insurance. If one of those drivers were to cause an accident and you, a family member, or a passenger were injured, they would have no coverage to pay for your medical bills, let alone any other expenses you might incur.

Coverage for things health insurance won’t cover

Many people assume they don’t need UM/UIM coverage because they have health insurance. While health insurance may help pay some of the bills, I wouldn’t put all of my eggs in that basket. For one, health insurance has limits of what they will cover and what is considered “in network.” If your ambulance ride or ER doctor isn’t in your network, you could be left covering that whole bill yourself.

Even if your health insurance does cover your medical bills, you’re still responsible for your health insurance deductible. With the rising costs of health insurance, many people are choosing higher deductible plans. That could leave you paying the first $5-10K out-of-pocket before you see your health insurance provider pick up the bill.

There are also some things that health insurance is never going to cover, like your lost wages, funeral expenses, or pain and suffering. Those are all things that Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage can help pay for. If someone loses their life in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, or if they’re out of work for a period of time while recovering, UM/UIM coverage can step in and relieve the financial stress.

Read more in our blog Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Health Insurance?

You may not know what insurance your passengers have

Do you ask everyone that gets in your car what health insurance they have? My guess is no.

You might let a coworker ride with you to lunch one day, carpool with a cousin to a wedding, or pick up your kids friends from soccer practice. All of those passengers would be covered by your UM/UIM coverage. Without knowing what health insurance they have (if any) or what their deductible is, you’re taking a gamble with their financial future if you don’t have Uninsured Motorist coverage to help protect them.

Not only that, but your passengers may not be able to afford being out of work for an extended period of time if they are injured in an accident. Your UM/UIM coverage can go a long way in helping them get back on their feet.

Who do you or your family members ride with?

Your Uninsured Motorist coverage also follows you and your household members when you’re a passenger in other cars. I know I don’t ask people what coverage they have on their car insurance policy before I get in the car with them, so I feel more comfortable knowing that I at least have coverage for the limits I chose for my family.

Uninsured Motorist vs Underinsured Motorist

You’ll have the same limit for both coverages, but they each have a specific scenario for when they will kick in.

Uninsured Motorist coverage extends when a covered person is injured in an accident that is caused by a driver with absolutely no liability insurance.

Example:

Sally had $100K in medical bills from an accident caused by Bob. Sally’s UM limits were 100/300 ($100K/person and $300K/accident), but Bob didn’t have any auto insurance. Since Bob doesn’t have liability coverage to pay for her bills, Sally’s policy would step in and pay the full $100K. If Sally didn’t have UM coverage, she would have to pay out-of-pocket or sue Bob for the damages.

Underinsured Motorist coverage extends when a covered person is injured in an accident that is caused by a driver whose bodily injury liability limits are lower than the covered person’s selected Underinsured Motorist limits.

Example:

Mary had $100K in medical bills from an accident caused by Jim. Mary’s UIM limits were 100/300 ($100K/person and $300K/accident), but Jim’s liability limits were only 25/50 ($25K/person and $50K/accident). Jim’s policy would only pay up to $25K of her medical bills because that is the per person limit. Since Mary’s UIM limits were higher than Jim’s liability limits, her policy would step in to pay the rest of the $75K of medical bills.

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When is a Car Considered Totaled?

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

The short answer is that a car is considered a total loss when the cost to repair the vehicle is more than the vehicle is worth. The exact requirements for totaling a car can vary in each state, but the general guidelines are consistent.

Let’s explore how/when a car is considered totaled and what that means for the car and insurance.

Salvage Vehicles in Colorado:

According to the Colorado DMV, a car is considered a total loss when “the cost of repairing the vehicle to a roadworthy condition and for legal operation on the highways exceeds the vehicle’s retail fair market value immediately prior to such damage.”

To be considered a salvage vehicle, it must be damaged by collision, fire, flood, accident, trespass, or other occurrence, excluding hail damage. Hail damage alone doesn’t result in a salvage title in Colorado since the car is still considered roadworthy.

Once a car qualifies as a salvage vehicle, the owner must surrender the title to the DMV to get a salvage title. On the salvage title application, the owner must disclose the type of damage that resulted in the salvage vehicle.

What factors do insurance companies consider when determining if a car is a total loss?

Insurance companies look at a combination of the following factors:

  • The damage to the vehicle
  • The current value of the vehicle (immediately prior to the loss)
  • The vehicle’s salvage value
  • State rules and regulations
  • Availability and accessibility of replacement parts
  • The ability of the damage to be repaired to roadworthy condition
  • The length of time it’ll take for repairs
  • The potential for hidden damage

If you’re in an accident and the other driver was at-fault, their liability insurance will pay to repair your vehicle. In a case where the cost to repair your car is more than the car is worth, the insurance company can declare your car a total loss and pay out the actual cash value of your car.

In an accident where you were at-fault and have collision coverage on the vehicle, then your insurance policy will cover the damage to you car. And if it’s something other than an accident that causes damage, like hail, vandalism, or flooding, you’d need to have comprehensive coverage on the car for your policy to pay for the repairs. When it’s your collision or comprehensive coverage paying out, the settlement will be the actual cash value, less your chosen deductible.

Actual Cash Value: The market value of the car, or what someone else in your area would reasonably pay for the same car. It’s essentially the replacement cost minus depreciation for age and wear and tear.

What happens if a car is declared a total loss?

You can release the car to the insurance company and accept the actual cash value, or keep the car and take a lesser payment. If you choose to keep the vehicle, the insurance company will subtract the salvage value from the settlement offer and you’ll be given the difference. Essentially you buy back the salvage title.

If the insurance company was providing you with a rental car, there is generally a limit of time they will continue to provide the rental after informing you that your car is a total loss. Many companies will pay for the rental car for another 2-5 days, after that you would have to return the rental car or pay out of pocket.

What if I have a loan on my car that is totaled?

Unless you have purchased additional coverage, the presence of a loan or lease on your car doesn’t impact the claim payout offered. If you owe more than what the car is worth, you could end up paying the difference out-of-pocket.

If you have Gap coverage on your policy, your insurance company will pay the difference between the car’s value and what you owe on your loan or lease. I highly recommend Gap coverage for any car that has a loan or a lease.

How is the value of my car determined?

Any or all of the following details can determine the actual cash value of a vehicle:

  • Make
  • Model
  • Year
  • Mileage
  • Condition
  • Upgrades
  • Local Market

Can I insure a salvage title vehicle?

Yes, there are options available for insuring a vehicle that has been deemed a total loss. Each insurance carrier has their own guidelines when it comes to insuring salvage vehicles, and some won’t insure them at all. But there are carriers that will offer coverage, though it might be limited, for a totaled vehicle.

Some insurance companies will allow you to keep comprehensive and collision coverage on a previously totaled vehicle, but the payout for any claim would take into account the damage to the car. Other companies will only allow you to carry liability coverage on a salvage title car.

In Colorado, hail damage alone doesn’t require a salvage title, but insurance companies can still limit the coverage they provide based on the previous damage. Since hail damage is generally cosmetic and doesn’t often impact the safety of the vehicle, it’s easier to find coverage for a car that was totaled from hail damage as opposed to an accident.

The best way to get the coverage you want on a vehicle that has been totaled is to work with an insurance broker, like Integrity First. We work with many different insurance companies, so we can find a fit for the coverage you need. Give us a call today if you have questions about a salvage vehicle or want to get a quote.

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The Deadly Reality of Distracted Driving

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Distracted driving is credited with causing thousands of accidents every year. As many as 1,000 people are injured in a distracted driving accident every day.

There are plenty of things that can go wrong while driving. You can blow a tire or slip on ice, both of which might be out of your control. Driving distracted is not an accident though, it’s a choice. You can help make the roads safer by keeping your full attention on the road.

Examples of Distracted Driving:

  • Talking on the phone, even if it’s hands-free
  • Texting
  • Browsing social media or the internet
  • Eating or drinking
  • Putting on makeup
  • Looking at a map or setting your navigation app
  • Changing the radio station
  • Smoking or vaping
  • Reaching for something

According to DriveSafe Online, there are 3 types of distracted driving:

  • Visual distractions take your eyes off the road
  • Manual distractions take your hands off the wheel
  • Cognitive distractions take your mind off driving

There are many different forms of distracted driving, but texting is widely accepted as the most dangerous since it involves all 3 types of distracted driving.

In Colorado, texting while driving is prohibited. For drivers under the age of 18, no cell phone use is allowed, even if it’s hands-free. Teens have a higher risk of being in an accident caused by texting and driving due to the combination of their lack of driving experience and the desire to constantly be connected to their phones.

In 2019, 39% of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving during the past month.

-Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

It’s important for parents to teach their teens the importance of focusing their attention solely on driving and not on talking, texting, or posting on social media. The first step is modeling that behavior. If your kids see you on your phone while driving, they will assume it’s okay to do and are more likely to engage in distracted driving themselves.

Frightening Statistics:

  • 3142 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2019
  • An estimated 36% of drivers use a smartphone app at a red light or stop sign, and 35% continue to use their phone while driving
  • Texting while driving doubles the chances for a car accident and triples the odds of your vehicle leaving the road, going over a curb, crashing into a tree, or colliding with a sign
  • Using a cell phone while behind the wheel reduces the amount of brain activity associated with driving by 37%
  • High school students who admit to texting while driving are also less likely to wear a seat belt and more likely to drink and drive
  • If you text while driving 55 mph, it’s the equivalent of driving the entire length of a football field without looking up
  • A person who texts while driving is 6 times more likely to be in an accident than someone who is driving drunk

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests the following strategies to break the habit of teen cell phone use while driving:

  • “Do not disturb while driving” settings can remove the temptation to use a cell phone while driving because notifications and messages are silenced while behind the wheel and can be set up to automatically come on. To increase adoption, this could be the factory default setting.
  • Applications that track driving behavior are being used by auto insurance companies to offer personalized rates for safe driving behaviors. A recent survey of 16- and 17-year-olds led by Dr. Delgado found those who admit to texting while driving may be convinced to refrain from this risky behavior if there was a financial incentive.
  • Applications that passively track cell phone use while driving give parents the opportunity to monitor their teens’ behaviors behind the wheel and to enforce house rules that prohibit cell phone use while driving for any reason and at any time.
  • Parents need to model safe driving behaviors, including no cell phone use while driving, well before their teens reach driving age.
  • Parents need to refrain from contacting their teens when behind the wheel. A CIRP/Penn School of Nursing study found that teen drivers receive the most calls from their parents.
  • Parents can provide their teens with safe alternatives to talking or texting while driving:
    • complete any call or text before starting the car
    • check in only after arrival
    • pull over to text or make a call

Understanding the risks of distracted driving is just the beginning. The best way to keep yourself and others on the road safe is to pledge not to drive with distractions.

You can put your phone on Do Not Disturb before you leave, know where you’re going before you start the car, and avoid eating and drinking during the trip. It’s also important to be aware of the distracted drivers around you so you’re ready to react if they make a sudden move that puts you in danger.

Help your loved ones stay safe by talking to them about the dangers of driving distracted.

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Sources:

Staff, D. S. O. (2020, October 2). 12 Important Texting and Driving Statistics. DriveSafe Online®. https://www.drivesafeonline.org/defensive-driving/12-important-texting-and-driving-statistics/.

National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2020, December). Overview of motor vehicle crashes in 2019. (Traffic Safety Facts
Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 813 060). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Opportunities to Reduce Youth Distracted Driving. Center for Injury Research and Prevention. (2021, April 1). https://injury.research.chop.edu/blog/posts/opportunities-reduce-youth-distracted-driving-0.

Cell Phones. Teen Driver Source. (n.d.). https://www.teendriversource.org/teen-crash-risks-prevention/distracted-driving/cell-phones.

How to Keep Your Holiday Weekend Safe and Fun

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Most Americans spend the 4th of July weekend swimming, BBQing, and enjoying fireworks. It’s a great time to catch up with family and friends and celebrate our great country.

Unfortunately, this holiday also brings more trips to the ER than most other days of the year. Between traffic accidents, firework disasters, and grilling mishaps, there are many ways to get hurt during the 4th of July celebrations.

Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure a fun and safe weekend.

Firework Safety

  • Follow the local firework laws. Fireworks that leave the ground are illegal in all of Colorado, but each county has its own guidelines for other types of firecrackers. 9 News lists the laws and regulations for each county for the summer of 2021.
  • Keep kids clear of any area where fireworks are being lit. Kids can run up at the last minute, so make sure there’s an adult in charge of any kids nearby.
  • Dress Safely. Wear close toed shoes and consider eye and ear protection.
  • Don’t shoot anything towards cars, houses, plants or people. Be careful not to damage any property or injure anyone. Colorado has a very dry climate, so if a firework hits a tree or a patch of grass a fire can spread quickly. Soaking nearby trees or bushes before lighting any fireworks can help avoid a fire.
  • Have water handy. Keeping a fire hose or a bucket of water nearby can prevent an accidental fire.
  • Keep your pets in a safe place. Many dogs get really anxious on the 4th of July and are more likely to escape. If you think your dog may get nervous about fireworks, consult your vet about the best way to help them.

BBQ Safety

  • Make sure someone is watching the grill. Avoid a potential fire by keeping a close eye on the grill while it’s on, and keep kids away from the hot surface.
  • Clean your grill before the BBQ. Built-up grease can cause a fire that could quickly spread to your house.
  • Keep your grill a safe distance from your house or fence. The National Fire Protection Association recommends keeping grills at least 10 feet from any structure.
  • Check the temperature of food. Use a meat thermometer to make sure all food is fully cooked before you serve it to your guests. You could find yourself on the other end of a lawsuit if you give everyone food poisoning.
  • Don’t let your guests drink and drive. Encourage a designated driver, Uber/Lyft, or let people spend the night if drinking will be involved. The 4th of July weekend is notorious for increased drinking and driving accidents. Do your part to keep the roads and your friends safe.

Water Safety

  • Consider the weather conditions before deciding to swim. Some conditions can create undercurrents that can increase the risk of drowning.
  • Don’t leave kids unattended. Looking away for even a minute could lead to a terrible accident. Floaties and life jackets can help keep kids safe, but there still needs to be an adult watching at all times.
  • Avoid drinking while swimming. Your reflexes can be dulled from alcohol consumption and may increase the risk of injury.
  • Don’t dive until you check the depth of the water. Always go feet first unless you’re sure you won’t hit your head.
  • Try not to swallow the water. There can be harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
  • If you’re taking a boat out, watch for swimmers and other watercraft. Keep life jackets on board and encourage your passengers to wear them in case of an accident.
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Top photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash

7 Things You Should Know About Boat Insurance

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Colorado has some of the most breathtaking picturesque landscapes in the country. Even better, it’s a scintillating experience when viewing the scenery while on your boat. Whether you are on an exploration mission with your boat in the Blue Mesa Reservoir or having good times with your family on Chatfield Reservoir, having a boat in Colorado has many advantages.

When you’re taking a boat or jet ski out the last thing you want to do is worry about what would happen if you had an accident. Regrettably, accidents and calamities sometimes strike. Fortunately, you can avert huge financial losses from a day out in the lake by investing in boat insurance. Contact our agents at Integrity First Insurance to learn more about boat insurance and how it can protect your finances.

Here are 7 things you should know about boat insurance:

1. Most boat policies only provide coverage in certain areas.

Generally, anywhere within the US and up to 75 miles off the US coastline is covered. Many policies will also cover into the Pacific coastal waters of Mexico and the Canadian coastal or inland waters.

2. You may be able to choose between Actual Cash Value or Agreed Value coverage for your boat.

Actual Cash Value: Just like cars, boats depreciated in value overtime. Actual Cash Value coverage takes into account age and wear and tear and pays out a depreciated amount based on that.

Agreed Value: With Agreed Value coverage, you choose what value to insure your boat for and will be paid out that agreed amount if there is a total loss. You’re only responsible for the deductible, not any depreciation.

3. Liability insurance is important.

If you’re responsible for an accident while operating your boat, your liability coverage will pay for the injuries or damage caused. Without liability insurance, you could be sued for those costs and have to pay out of pocket or have your wages garnished.

4. You can add protection for Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal.

Many people don’t know that they are responsible for removing any wreckage and cleaning up an oil or fuel spill if their boat is involved in an accident. The cost of that can add up quickly, so adding that coverage to your boat insurance policy is a great way to protect finances.

5. Most boat policies have the option to add on-water towing coverage.

If your boat breaks down on the water, this coverage will pay to tow it and may even pay for delivery of fuel, oil, or a battery.

6. You can purchase Medical Payments coverage to protect yourself and your passengers, including water skiers and tubers.

Medical Payments coverage limits range from $500 to $10K or more, and will pay for medical costs regardless of who is at-fault for the accident.

7. Unlike auto insurance, watercraft insurance isn’t required in Colorado.

However, if you financed your water vessel, your lender may require you to carry boat insurance until you pay your outstanding loan.

If you are a boat owner, consider procuring a boat insurance policy. Insuring your watercraft protects you, your family, your boat and your financial future so you can focus on having fun. To get coverage, please contact Integrity First Insurance for an affordable quote.

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Photo by Maxi am Brunnen on Unsplash

10 Tips to Help Prevent Identity Theft

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

Shopping online. Visiting the doctor. Buying gas. In nearly all of the things we do from day to day, there’s the risk of identity theft.

You could unknowingly give your information to a fraudster thinking you’re shopping at a legitimate site. Your doctor’s office could experience a data breach. Or, you could come across a tampered credit card reader at the gas pump.

The risks your identity faces go on and on. So, what can you do to stop it? Unfortunately, virtually no one today can completely negate the risk of identity theft. But, we can all take some important steps to help prevent it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_fjVgAIgKc

Here are 10 sensible habits to adopt that will help you protect your identity:

  1. Limit what you carry in your wallet, and know what’s there in case it goes missing. First things first, don’t carry your Social Security card on a regular basis. Instead, keep it in a locked safe at home. Have a form of identification or some other card with your Social Security number (SSN) on it? Carry a photocopy of it instead of the real thing, and cut out or otherwise render your SSN unreadable. As for credit cards, only carry the ones you need. Finally, make photocopies of the front and back of the cards you always keep in your wallet and store them in your home safe. If one (or all of them) goes missing, you won’t have to search high and low for the card issuer’s contact information.
  2. Keep your computers, software and other electronics secure and up to date. This means using strong passwords or enabling passcodes – remember not to write them down. It also means installing firewall, spyware and virus protection. Keep everything up to date (and backed up) for the latest security enhancements. For your portable devices, consider installing software to remotely wipe your data or locate the device if it’s ever lost or stolen.
  3. Don’t over share. Does every entity that asks for your (or your child’s) SSN really need it? Take a moment to think instead of automatically jotting it down. At the very least, maybe only the last four digits will do. In addition, be careful what you share online. Posting your full address, phone number, license plate number or your birth date online, even if it’s in a photo, may help others piece together a full picture of your identity.
  4. Do check your credit reports throughout the year. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three bureaus once a year. And, since the information on each report is oftentimes largely the same, you can stagger your requests and receive a different report once every four months. Once you receive it, check your report for accounts and other activity you don’t recognize. Even a credit check from a company you haven’t done business with could be an attempt at identity theft. To order your free credit reports, call 1-877-322-8228 or visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.
  5. Keep an eye on your accounts. Your account statements can alert you to identity theft sooner than your credit report, in most cases. Check regularly for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and other illicit activity, such as address changes or additional cards you didn’t request.
  6. Watch your surroundings. Whether you’re using the ATM or a portable device, you want to be sure others nearby aren’t watching as you type in your PIN or password. And, just because you don’t see anyone nearby doesn’t mean they’re not there. If you’re using a shared or public WiFi, everyone else on the same network may see the data, including passwords or account numbers, you submit. Be sure to conduct sensitive transactions on secure networks.
  7. Reduce your mail. Start by opting out of pre-approved credit card offers by calling 1-888-5OPT-OUT and following the prompts. This should stay in effect for five years and help curb the risk of someone else obtaining a new credit card in your name. Next, sign up for paperless billing with your financial and service providers and/or schedule automatic payments through your bank. The less mail containing personal and account details that comes to your home, the less likely it is to fall into the wrong hands.
  8. Be skeptical when someone asks for your information. Scam artists don’t always have to steal your information. Sometimes they convince you to give it up willingly by telling you via a phone call, email, snail mail or text that you won a prize or need to verify your account. To claim the prize or account, you’ll, of course, need to supply some sensitive information. Requests like these are almost always inauthentic – what’s known as a “phishing” scam. So, stay on guard and contact the entity through a known, verified method to inquire about the matter, rather than providing personal details on the spot.
  9. Mind your garbage. If you’re throwing out account statements or other documents with personal information, you’re making it easy for dumpster divers to learn a little, perhaps a lot, about you. They may even learn enough to take over one of your accounts. So, shred your sensitive documents and then recycle them – don’t just throw them out in the garbage.
  10. Tidy up at home. Tax returns, credit cards you use infrequently, checkbooks, passports, birth certificates – these and other important documents should all be stored under lock and key. Whether it’s in a home safe or a locking desk or file cabinet is up to you. And, don’t leave the code or key in an easily discoverable place.

Despite your best efforts, you may still discover that your identity has been stolen, If so, take immediate action to:

  • Fill out the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Affidavit.
  • Take your affidavit to the police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy for your records. It will come in handy if you need to close fraudulent accounts, straighten out your credit report and more.
  • Call your financial providers to request new account numbers and, if needed, cards.
    Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert, which will encourage creditors to contact you before opening new lines of credit, on your credit report. The bureau you contact will share it with the other two.
    Experian: 1-888-397-3742
    Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    Transunion: 1-800-680-7289

And, if you’re involved in a data breach and offered free credit monitoring, be sure to take advantage of it.

In today’s world of hyper connectivity and speed, it’s easy for your information to end up in the wrong hands. But, by being cautious with how you use and share your information, and checking for misuse, you can help keep your identity secure.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Wedding Insurance: Say “Yes” to Peace of Mind

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

You’ve fallen in love and plan to say, “I do.” Now your every waking moment is filled with visions of the dress, the rings, the flowers, the honeymoon and more. But, have you thought about insurance?

No, it’s not romantic, but it is a practical way to gain some peace of mind. After all, what would happen if something went wrong with the venue or your rings got stolen? Insurance can help you plan for these and other scenarios – find out how below.

The Big Day

According to TheKnot.com, the average cost of a wedding now exceeds $25,000. When you make an investment of that size, it’s a good idea to protect it. What if the caterer cancels the morning of your wedding? Hiring a replacement the day-of might cost you four times as much. What if the reception site floods a few days beforehand and you have to change venues? What if the groom gets sick and must be hospitalized? Event insurance typically covers unforeseen and sudden issues like these related to the reception site, inclement weather, vendor no-shows and illness or injury.

So, where to start with purchasing a policy? Talk with your venue and vendors about their liability insurance to help determine where you might need additional coverage. Then, work with an independent insurance agent to purchase event insurance for your wedding.

The Bling

Engagement and wedding rings can represent a sizeable investment in and of themselves. You’ll want to update your renters insurance, condo insurance or homeowners insurance – as well as your home inventory – to reflect their value. Is there an opportune time to do so? Yes: as soon as possible. Don’t put it off until after you’ve settled in to a regular routine following the honeymoon. As soon as you purchase the rings, call your independent agent to protect them.

The Presents

We’ve all heard the horror stories of wedding gifts being stolen. You can always purchase an extra policy to cover yourself from potential loss – whether the gifts are stolen off your front porch or lifted from the gift table at your reception. Policies typically cover a pre-defined period of time before or after the wedding and require you to file a police report if something does go missing.

After the wedding, you’ll want to add your new household goods to your home inventory in case of a personal property claim on your renters, condo or homeowners policy. You can check with your independent agent whether you need to purchase more personal property coverage to protect your new belongings, especially items such as china, silver, collectibles and family heirlooms. These and other items that appreciate over time may need separate coverage. Create a list of these items and discuss them with your independent agent.

The Honeymoon

Finally, it’s time to relax after months of sweating over pulling off the perfect day. But, the honeymoon isn’t exempt from unforeseen circumstances, which is where travel insurance comes into play. Polices often address trip cancellation, trip delay, medical insurance and more. The travel experts at Frommer’s say a policy should cost about 3 to 8 percent of your trip’s value. If you’re interested in protecting your trip, talk to us about the policy that’s right for you.

Your wedding day and your honeymoon should be some of the happiest times of your life. Putting a little extra effort into insuring your investment will put you on the path to living happily ever after. Best wishes and congratulations!

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®

Top image by UnSplash user Jeremy Wong Weddings

Why You Need Personal Offense Coverage

Posted on by Alexa Steffes

How can insurance protect you from being sued for what you say on social media?

In today’s digital world, slander and libel lawsuits are more common than you may think. Comments made in haste or anger on social media can have lasting and far-reaching effects on a person’s reputation or character, so it’s easier than ever to libel, slander, or invade a person’s privacy.

Even if you apologize, you can still be sued. Due to the wide reach of social media, claim damages can be substantial, not to mention the cost of hiring an attorney and other legal fees you would incur.

What’s more, posts or other online comments made by a minor can also be subject to a lawsuit. So if you have teens or other children who use social media, you may be at risk for something they say or write online. Consider the following scenario.

Your son was crushed after being cut from the football team, so he retaliated by writing some false and unflattering comments on social media about the head coach. These comments quickly spread through the school and the community at large. The coach then sued the boy’s parents for harming his professional reputation, a claim that could cost them thousands of dollars in legal fees and damages.

Or imagine this:

You write a scathing online review of a restaurant where you had a poor experience. Though you had some legitimate gripes, you went too far by claiming they served you outdated, potentially rotten meat without offering evidence to support the accusation. In return, the restaurant filed a lawsuit against you, and you’re forced to defend yourself.

Personal offense coverage can provide protection against such situations. Plus, it’s affordable.

What Personal Offense Insurance Covers

While personal offense coverage is included with some policies, it is optional for most coverage levels.

This coverage offers you broad protection against a variety of lawsuits and damages related to a such offenses as:

  • False arrest, detention, or imprisonment
  • Malicious prosecution
  • Libel, slander, or defamation of character
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Wrongful eviction or entry

To assess your risk and to learn more about this valuable yet often overlooked coverage option, give us a call today.

Contact Us

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance®.

Photo by Adem AY on Unsplash. Image cropped from original.

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