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What is Commercial Auto Insurance and when do you need it?

Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial auto insurance protects your business from legal claims of property damage or bodily injury while operating a company vehicle, or when an employee uses their own vehicle for business purposes. This type of insurance can pay for medical expenses, legal fees, and repairs to the vehicle that personal auto insurance doesn’t cover.

Do you own or lease a vehicle that is operated for business purposes?

If so, you need commercial auto insurance!

If a vehicle assists an employee in performing job-related tasks, then it’s a company vehicle and should be insured accordingly.

Even the safest drivers need proper coverage. Commercial auto accidents are incredibly common. At least 20% of commercial vehicles are involved in an accident every year. Some statistics suggest that even something as simple as backing up accounts for approximately 30% of all commercial vehicle accidents!

Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency is an independent insurance agency and we take time to understand your business operations and vehicle use so we can find the right coverage for your needs at the right price. We can also guide you through the claims process if an accident happens.

For more information to start a commercial auto insurance quote & protect your business vehicles, you can contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency at (847) 480-0800 or visit us online at https://www.basslerins.com/

Source: https://thsawc.org/files/7-17-14%20Backing%20trucks.pdf

https://www.automotive-fleet.com/303123/fleet-safety-metrics-reverse-negatively-accidents-increase



What to Do If You Need to File a Home Insurance Claim

Experiencing damage or loss to your home can be a stressful situation. However, understanding the necessary steps to take when filing a home insurance claim can help ease some of that stress and ensure a smoother claims process. Below is a general outline of what to do:

Safety First:

  • Prioritize the safety of yourself and your family. If immediate dangers, such as fires or flooding, are present, focus on ensuring everyone’s well-being and evacuate if needed.

Review Your Policy:

  • Take a moment to go through your home insurance policy. Familiarize yourself with what it covers, including coverage limits and deductibles.

Document the Damage:

  • Thoroughly document the damage or loss by taking photographs, recording videos, and making written notes. The more detailed your documentation, the smoother the claims process.

Report the Incident:

  • Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible to report the incident. Provide them with all the necessary information, including the date, time, location, and a description of the event.

Mitigate Further Damage:

  • Take reasonable actions to prevent additional damage or loss. This may involve temporary repairs or securing the property to prevent theft or vandalism.

Gather Evidence:

  • Collect any evidence that supports your claim, such as receipts for damaged items, repair estimates, and any communication with contractors or service providers.

Follow Instructions:

  • Your insurance company will provide you with instructions on how to proceed with your claim. Carefully follow these instructions and provide any requested documentation promptly.

Meet with Adjusters:

  • Your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage. Cooperate fully during this process and provide them with the documentation you’ve gathered.

Keep Records:

  • Maintain a record of all correspondence with your insurance company, including the names of the representatives you speak with, dates, and details of the conversations.

Review Settlement Offer:

  • After reviewing your claim, your insurance company will present a settlement offer. Thoroughly examine the offer to ensure it covers all your eligible losses. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your insurer.

Resolve the Claim:

  • If you are content with the settlement offer, you can proceed with the claim resolution. If disputes or issues arise, work closely with your insurance company to address them.

Keep Copies:

  • Retain copies of all documentation related to your claim, including your policy, photographs, receipts, and correspondence, in case they are needed in the future.

Consider Professional Help:

  • If you encounter complexities or disagreements during the claims process, think about seeking guidance from a public adjuster or legal counsel specializing in insurance claims.

Filing a home insurance claim may involve various steps, but by adhering to this process and maintaining open and honest communication with your insurer, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful and equitable resolution. Remember that transparency and cooperation are key elements in ensuring a smoother claims experience.

For more information you can contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency at (847) 480-0800 or visit us online at https://www.basslerins.com/

Property Catastrophe Reinsurance MarketSnapped Back Into Balance Jan. 1

One year after the rise of the toughest property reinsurance market seen in a generation, conditions have improved markedly, with adequate capacity, more consistency on wording and structures, and smoother renewals, according to several reinsurance broking firms.

Reinsurance capacity managed to keep pace with demand on Jan. 1, 2024, per recent reports from Guy Carpenter, Gallagher Re and Howden.

“Only 12 months ago, property catastrophe reinsurance was considered an unpredictable and volatile class warranting reduced capacity and changes in coverage, attachment and pricing,” said Tom Wakefield, CEO of Gallagher Re, in the broker’s “1st View” report. “This year, property supply and demand has snapped back into balance, with returns for the first three quarters of 2023 exceeding reinsurers’ increased cost of capital.”

Primary insurers were able to secure more coverage for their property tail risk in this renewal season. This trend should continue through the rest of the year’s reinsurance renewals, according to Gallagher Re’s report. Gallagher Re attributed some of the improvement to a few large wind events in the U.S. However, insured losses due to natural catastrophes still exceeded $100 billion in 2023, and, in the U.S., reinsurers “adjusted their view” of severe convective storm (SCS) frequency with some added pressure on price as a result.

In its recap of the Jan. 1 renewals, Guy Carpenter noted that some clients in specific geographical regions still “faced challenges.” Reinsurers also pressed more for price increases on lower program layers, while deploying capacity more freely for loss-free segments and layers. The reinsurance broker cited a pricing range of flat to single-digit increases for non-loss impacted programs and 10% to 30% for programs with losses—though there was a “wide range of outcomes” around the averages.

“The January 1 market reflected more balanced trading conditions providing cedents improved opportunities to achieve their objectives while maintaining key reinsurer relationships,” said Dean Klisura, president and CEO of Guy Carpenter, in a statement. “Technical discussions were essential to reinsurers’ increasing appetite and capacity allocations.”

According to Howden’s reinsurance broking team, expanded capacity from traditional carriers, as well as new capital flowing into the catastrophe bond market, helped to improve conditions on Jan. 1.

“Reinsurers’ plans were better telegraphed in the lead up to 1 January 2024, meaning the tensions and dislocations that characterized last year’s renewal were far less acute,” Howden said in an outlook report titled “A New World.” The broker added, “Pricing was stable overall, with any significant variation by territory or line of business informed by loss experience.

However, Howden also suggested that several specialty lines faced some reinsurance pressure due to geopolitical risks and ongoing conflicts, particularly aviation, political violence, and terrorism. Reinsurers also showed a limited appetite for nonnatural perils, especially strike, riot, and civil commotion cover, the broker said. Howden reported a 3% increase in rates-online for property catastrophe reinsurance compared to +37% last year.

GUARANTY FUND

A Guaranty Fund protects consumers in the case of a failed insurance company. When a policyholder incurs a covered loss under an insolvent carrier’s policy, the loss will be covered by the Guaranty Fund. Just as with All Things Insurance, there are limitations and an exception to the coverage.

The exception is that policies issued by non-admitted insolvent carriers are not eligible for the Fund. This is why it is so important to check the AM Best rating (financial size and strength) of any surplus lines carrier before binding coverage. If an agent becomes aware of a negative change in that rating during a policy term, it may be prudent to replace the coverage.

One limitation to coverage is determined by the policy itself. If a building has a limit of $150,000, that limit still applies. Another limitation is determined by individual state laws, which determine the maximum limit that a policyholder may collect. Most states have a cap of $300,000 on P&C claims, although there is generally no cap on Workers Compensation claims. One can readily imagine claims exceeding $300,000, reminding us again of the importance of knowing an insurer’s financial strength.

Claimants and policyholders are usually first to be paid, before the insurer’s other creditors. Policyholders with a claim greater than the statutory limit can apply for full payment. This places the claim in line with other creditors, which can take years for distribution, if it ever occurs.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) passed model legislation in 1969. Each state, plus Puerto Rico and Washington DC, has a Guaranty Fund. The statutory limit in the model act was set at $300,000. The Funds have paid out more than $35 billion resulting from around 600 insolvencies.

Each state determines the means of providing capital for claims and administrative costs. Most states levy assessment against admitted insurers, typically 1-2% of net direct written premium. Capital for payment of claims also comes from the insolvent insurer’s assets, including reinsurance.

How often does a carrier lose solvency? In the last 20 years, typically 10-15 carriers enter receivership each year. United Home Insurance entered receivership last month. It’s not common, but it’s not rare either, so agents must be mindful.

For more information, go to National Conference of Insurance Guaranty Funds.

Do your validating producers understand why AM Best rating is important, or know where to learn about it? Insurance Technical Consulting specializes in one-on-one mentoring of commercial producers so they gain confidence in what they are selling and make fewer errors. Save your agency time with potential to increase revenue and reduce E&O costs. Explore the website at InsuranceTechnicalConsulting.com for more information.

Preventing Burst Pipes

Many people believe that when water freezes in a pipe, the ice expands, pushing against the walls of the pipe causing a pipe to burst. In reality, this is not the case. Freezing water pipes do not burst directly from the physical pressure of ice growth, but from excessive water pressure. The fact that water is freezing within a pipe does not, by itself, endanger the pipe. Usually, the pipe bursts where there is little or no ice formation. When a pipe outlet is still open, ice growth exerts no pressure on the pipe because the volumetric expansion is absorbed by the entire water system. A pipe that is open on one end cannot be pressurized and will not burst.

Water has to freeze for ice blockages to occur. Pipes inside a building should be protected by placement within the building’s insulation, insulation on the pipe itself, or by heating. Vulnerable pipes that are exposed to subfreezing temperatures should be fitted with insulation sleeves and wrapping. The more the pipe is insulated, the better the protection.

It should be noted that a burst water pipe does not necessarily result in the immediate flooding of a building. A rupture may be initially sealed by the ice blockage. A flooding condition will occur when the ice blockage thaws out and the burst location is under flow conditions.

Freezing

Pipes typically burst at locations where freezing last occurs. Thus, an insulated portion of an otherwise poorly insulated pipe is likely to be the place where the pipe breaks.

When water freezes, it expands. While the expansion of water as it freezes is the underlying cause of a pipe bursting, the actual deformation or breakage of the pipe results from a secondary consequence of the expansion – namely, hydraulic pressure in that part of the water last to freeze.

To demonstrate this event, take a water-filled metal bucket and set it on a block of Styrofoam and let it freeze. What results is that the bucket will have a bulge at the bottom. This phenomenon is due to the hydraulic pressure in the last water to freeze, in this case, at the bottom of the bucket. Yet, if the Styrofoam is placed on the top of the bucket, no bulging occurs because the last water to freeze is near the top surface where there is no metal to be bent.

If you wrap insulation around short sections of an otherwise exposed pipe filled with water, the pipe will burst under the insulation and the water will leak into the insulation, proving that liquid water was still present at the time of the breakage.

As the last of the water freezes in the pipe, the increasing hydraulic pressure causes the melting point of the confined ice to decrease. By the time the pressure rises to 8,000 psi (551.6 bar), the melting point will be lowered to almost 23°F (-5°C). If that pressure is not enough to break the pipe, at -6°F (-21°C), the pressure will build to 28,000 psi (1,931.0 bar).

Piping Considerations

Commonly used water pipes in construction are made of copper, black iron, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Plastic pipes have both thicker walls and greater resistance to heat flow. Copper pipes in turn have virtually no resistance to heat flow. However, only in marginal cases would the added thermal resistance of plastic pipes prevent annular ice blockage in comparison to copper pipes.

The determination of the pipe diameter in a plumbing system is based on necessary service demands and flow requirements. For these reasons, an attempt to reduce burst pipe incidents through the specification of different pipe diameters is of very little value.

Another common thought is that, when subjected to identical conditions, a hot-water pipe will burst before a cold-water pipe. A definitive, widely accepted explanation has yet to be given. One theory holds that premature bursting is a result of greater dendritic ice formation in hot-water pipes as compared to cold-water pipes. However, when water pipes begin to cool toward identical temperatures, it makes no difference if the water was drawn from a cold- or hot-water source because the freezing process is identical. Usually, the difference between the freezing of a cold-water pipe and a hot-water pipe (both being of the same material and diameter) is approximately ten minutes. If hot-water pipes tend to burst before cold-water pipes, it is not due to the water’s response to the subfreezing temperature; more likely, it is due to the distribution of entrapped air in water systems because of the water heating process when temperatures rise and pressure increases.

The temperatures that water pipes are exposed to in a building is a function of the outside temperature, the interior building temperature, the building insulation near the pipe, and the pipe’s placement in a building cavity.

Pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes. “Wind chill,” the cooling effect of air and wind, can play a major role in accelerating freezing and bursting of water pipes. Holes or openings in an outside wall where cables, television wires, or telephone lines enter provide access for cold air.

Although 20°F (-6.7°C) is well below the freezing temperature of water, the temperature of an unheated portion of a building is almost always at least a few degrees above the outdoor temperature.

There are several precautions building owners should take when the temperature is expected to dip around 20°F (-6.7°C), including:

  • Seal all openings where cold air can get at unprotected water pipes. It is especially important to keep cold wind away from pipes, which speeds up the freezing process.
  • Cover pipes with foam sleeves or fiberglass insulation, a minimum of 2 in (5.08 cm), the thicker the better.
  • Remove and store exterior hoses inside during cold weather.
  • Leave interior doors open to allow warmer room air to circulate.
  • Let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice might still form in the pipes, but an open faucet allows water to escape before the pressure builds to where a pipe can burst. If the dripping stops, it may mean that ice is blocking the pipe; keeping the faucet open will provide pressure relief in the pipe.
  • Protect pipes in attics and crawl spaces with insulation or heat. Pipe insulation is available in fiberglass or foam sleeves.
  • Close the main water shutoff value and leave open the various outlets. This will drain most of the water out of the system, introduce large quantities of air, and eliminate the possibility of bursting pipes during severe overnight temperatures.
  • Use heating cables and tapes, which are effective for freeze protection. Select a high-quality heating cable with heavy wire insulation that is listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc, and which has a built-in thermostat that turns the heat on when needed (without a thermostat, the cable has to be plugged in each time and might be forgotten). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely during installation. Heat tapes and cables will not work during power outages.
  • Loss Prevention Strategies

There are four basic strategies for preventing burst water pipes:

  • Pipe Placement
  • Pipe Insulation
  • Air Chambers
  • Install pressure-relief plumbing fixtures to provide protection

Pipe Placement
Pipe placement prevents water pipes from ever encountering freezing temperatures through placement in the conditioned space of a building. Placement is meant to include the avoidance of air leakage through the building. This strategy is designed to prevent water pipes from encountering subfreezing temperatures and any potential for freezing and subsequent bursting.

Pipe Insulation
Pipe insulation provides sufficient pipe insulation to reduce heat loss to the point where freezing cannot occur. This strategy is designed to prevent or substantially delay the formation of an ice blockage and, in so doing, prevent the excessive pressures that lead to bursting.

Air Chambers
Air chambers are presently manufactured as “water hammer arrestors.” These devices are intended to address the problem of water hammer, which is the pressure-induced knocking of water pipes. Testing of these devices is designed to evaluate their endurance during numerous, momentary pressure surges. For burst protection, it would be necessary to determine the viability of these products under sustained pressure of 12 to 24 hours as compared with numerous pressure surges. It is possible that existing designs can meet the requirements for burst protection devices.

The use of air chambers on water pipes that run through unconditioned spaces could greatly reduce the incidence of burst water pipes. Economical air chambers that could be easily retrofitted to existing plumbing systems would be beneficial in addressing the existing risk exposure.

Where both subfreezing temperatures and ice blockage may occur, air chambers could be installed to moderate the excessive pressures required for bursting. This strategy allows total freezing and the temporary loss of water service but can help prevent losses by relieving the pressure that leads to bursting.

Pressure-Relief Plumbing Fixtures

Pressure-relief plumbing fixtures, as with air chambers, accept the completion of an ice blockage, but provides pressure relief. Rather than providing a chamber of air, pressure-relief-plumbing fixtures would discharge water from the line at a specified pressure well below the burst pressure of the line. Discharge would be through a fixture into the existing drain basin, for example, the sink or bathtub.

Widespread adaptation of pressure-relief plumbing fixtures could virtually eliminate the burst water pipes at marginally additional cost. They would require no maintenance and no more labor than to install a standard fixture.

Responding to Frozen Pipes

If a frozen pipe (open faucet, no water comes out) is suspected, a qualified plumber should be called. If a pipe bursts, the main valve should be shut off and the faucets left open until repairs are complete. Thawing a frozen pipe with an open flame or hair dryer should never be attempted.

References

  1. American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc (ASHRAE). Fundamentals Handbook. Atlanta, GA: ASHRAE, 1993.
  2. Insurance Institute Property Loss Reduction. An Investigation into Freezing and Bursting Water Pipes in Residential Construction. Research Report No. 96-1. Boston, MA: IIPLR, 1996.
  3. Zarling, J., R. Williams, and J. Rajesh. Experiment and Analysis of Pipe Freezing. Fourth International Symposium, US Army Corps of Engineers No. 87-95. Washington, DC: USACE, 1993.

Includes copyrighted material from ISO Services, Inc. with permission. 

This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica National shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.

Year-end HR Activities

The last months of the year are a great time for HR professionals to ensure they’re prepared for everything that needs to be done. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate which HR processes organizations want to take forward 
into the new year and which to leave behind. While certain HR compliance activities must be completed by the end of the year, HR professionals can also use this time of preparation to focus on tasks that will set their organizations on the right course for next year.

This article provides an overview of general, compliance-related, and employee compensation and benefits activities HR may need to tackle at the end of each year. The activities outlined in this article are not exhaustive. 
Because an organization’s failure to comply with certain year-end requirements can result in significant legal and financial consequences, employers are encouraged to seek legal counsel to discuss any specific issues.

General Activities

The end of the year is usually a busy time for HR professionals. They must accomplish a lot in a 
relatively short time period to close out the year and prepare for the upcoming one. These tasks may include:

Completing annual performance reviews

Asking employees to update their personal and contact information Backing up HR data and personnel files

Establishing an annual budget and allocating resources Reviewing recruiting and hiring processes

Creating plans for new hires

HR can also create and update succession plans and job descriptions.

The following tasks are general activities HR professionals should consider completing at the end 
of the year.

HR Metrics Development

The year’s end is an opportunity to review the year, analyzing what went well and where 
improvements can be made. This provides HR a chance to develop meaningful metrics for the upcoming year. These metrics may measure:

Employee engagement and satisfaction Employee productivity

Turnover rate, including new hire turnover HR growth compared to revenue

Average time to fill open positions Offer acceptance rate

Promotion rate Time to hire

HR-to-employee ratio

By aligning HR metrics to long-term organizational goals, HR can positively impact an organization’s growth and facilitate strategic decision-making.

Workforce Analysis

Workforce planning is a common year-end HR task. Such planning allows organizations to forecast staffing needs for the upcoming year. This also provides HR with an opportunity to review and analyze an organization’s 
workforce strengths. By engaging with leaders and managers, HR can help identify outstanding talent and ways to develop their capabilities. This allows an organization to maximize the full potential of its workforce.

Value Alignment

HR is generally responsible for an organization’s values. HR can have a positive impact on an organization by aiding employees in understanding the significance of their contributions and how they align with the organization’s values. The year’s end is a great opportunity to review an organization’s core values and define employee 
engagement initiatives. HR can help engage and align employees with the organization’s purpose and values, which can positively impact an organization’s attraction and retention efforts.

Employee Feedback

The end of the year can be an opportunity to identify areas of improvement. Employee
engagement surveys can give organizations meaningful feedback from employees about what is working and what isn’t. By soliciting employee feedback, organizations can gather insights to improve employee engagement and morale, boost productivity, strengthen retention, refine internal processes and meet organizational goals. With a better understanding of existing 
issues, HR professionals can not only identify areas of improvement but also implement changes that can positively impact the organization in the upcoming year.

Employee Communications

HR tends to receive an influx of employee questions at the year’s end regarding benefits, holiday schedules and tax information. Clear and frequent communication is essential to keep employees informed of year-end information and responsibilities. Communications can address topics such as required training or W-2 distribution. HR can even hold office hours to allow employees to ask questions.

Compliance Activities

Year-end is an excellent time to review how well an organization is complying with current laws and regulations. To ensure organizations follow all applicable laws and regulations, HR can conduct a compliance audit. 
Common items reviewed during a compliance audit include the following:

Employee classification Personnel files Employee handbook Employment policies

Employment and labor law posters

As part of its audit, HR can review employee documents, such as tax forms or beneficiary designations, to ensure they’re completed properly and signed, if necessary. HR can also confirm employees have completed all required trainings and move terminated employee personnel files to storage. If HR uncovers issues during its audit, it can ensure they’re corrected before the start of the new year. For example, if HR discovers the organization’s employment and labor 
law posters are out of date, it can order updated posters.

Many organizations are legally required to submit year-end reports or notices, such as an EEO-1 Component 1 data collection report, Medicare Part D notice or annual reporting under the Affordable Care Act for qualifying employers. Despite all that must be done at year’s end, HR must ensure these reports and compliance notices are prepared and submitted in a timely manner to avoid penalties and fines.

These professionals must also update organizational documentation and policies yearly.

Document and Policy Updates

A full review of an organization’s policies and procedures may be necessary at the end of the year, as policies can quickly become outdated or need to be updated to address any legal or organizational changes. This allows adjustments to be made and processes to be improved so they run smoother in the new year. HR can verify that the most 
recent workplace policies are up to date and make any necessary revisions. This may include confirming employees have signed employee handbooks and forms for the code of ethics or conflicts of interest.

In addition, each year brings new regulations and compliance standards that organizations need to follow. HR can help organizations prepare for these changes by researching new laws and regulations and implementing all 
applicable changes.

Employee Compensation and Benefits Activities

Organizations often review employee compensation and benefits at the year’s end. HR can 
compare employee salaries to the market average and consider making cost-of-living adjustments to stay competitive. It can also do the same for its benefits offerings. By conducting employee benefits surveys, organizations can learn what benefits employees want and value most and then update or tailor benefits packages to enhance their attraction and retention efforts.

HR professionals should consider completing following year-end compensation and benefits activities.

Employee Bonuses and Payroll

To avoid potential payment issues, HR can review employee wage, tax and withholding information at the end of the year to ensure it’s accurate for the upcoming year. HR can also establish next year’s payroll schedule 
and prepare for the first payroll run of the new year.

Many organizations distribute employee bonuses at the end of the year. HR needs to ensure that 
employees receiving bonuses have satisfied all requirements and that the payment amounts and information are accurate.

Time-off Calendar and Balances

Verifying employee time-off balances that will carry over to the upcoming year is a critical year-end HR activity. Carryover balances should be reviewed for accuracy to ensure time-off eligibility and carryover rules are applied correctly and employees are provided with accurate information. Any unused time off that can be paid out will need to be reviewed and added to the payroll. HR can also ensure next year’s calendar includes the correct dates for company holidays. This is a simple task that can prevent headaches in the upcoming year.

Summary

Year-end activities can seem limitless, which may leave HR professionals feeling overwhelmed, and 
some tasks can be easily overlooked. By preparing early, HR can wrap up this year properly and set their organizations up for success next year.

For more HR-related resources, contact Bassler & Co. Insurance today.

This HR Insights is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be 
construed as professional advice. © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Why Are Auto Insurance Rates Rising?

Increasing auto insurance premiums have been troubling for policyholders and their wallets. Ac- cording to statistics released in May 2023 by the U.S. Department of Įabor, auto insurance premiums increased 17.1% in the previous 12 months. Although the cost of insurance may change each year for various reasons, this infographic can help shed light on current market factors influencing policies across the country right now:

  • Vehicle inventory—While the availability of new cars has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, inventory levels overall are still below average, and prices for used vehicles remain relatively high. As cars remain more costly, insuring them may be more expensive.
  • Higher repair costs—Inflation, supply chain issues lingering from the pandemic, high de- mand at auto shops and a car technician la- bor shortage have contributed to increased repair costs and the related price of auto insurance claims.
  • Rising medical bills—As health care costs have risen, auto insurance companies must pay more for medical services from MedPay and personal injury protection (PIP) cov- erage. Consequently, premiums have also increased.
  • Increased claims—Car accidents and thefts have become more common in recent years, leading to more claims being filed against auto policies. As the number of claims rises, so too does the cost of insuring against them.

In response to rising auto insurance premiums, policyholders should consider the following ways to save on their rates:

  • Stay safe.

Avoid blemishes on your driving record by practicing safe habits behind the wheel.

  • Tafie courses.

Completing driving safety courses may unlock discounted premiums.

  • Bundle coverage.

Purchasing multiple types of coverage from the same insurer may reduce overall costs.

  • Maintain good credit.

High credit card balances, late payments and other negative effects on a policyholder’s credit score may lead to higher premiums.

  • Reconsider policy details.

Adjusting your coverage, such as increasing your deductible, may help limit premiums.

  • Drive less. Insurers may consider how far a policyholder drives annually. By reducing mileage and reporting accordingly, costs may be decreased.

Even among increased rates, auto insurance remains a critical loss control measure for U.S. motor- ists. Insufficient coverage could lead to legal noncompliance penalties and, in the event of an acci- dent, catastrophic out-of-pocket costs.

Contact us today to learn more about potential auto insurance discounts and other ways to save on your premiums.

Am I liable if a trick or treater falls on my property?

Whether you are liable if a trick-or-treater falls on your property and the insurance coverage that may apply can vary depending on several factors, including the circumstances of the fall and your homeowner’s insurance policy. Here are some key points to consider:

Premises Liability: Homeowners can be held liable for injuries that occur on their property if they are found to be negligent in maintaining a safe environment. This is known as premises liability. If a trick-or-treater falls on your property due to a hazard that you were aware of or should have been aware of and failed to address, you may be held responsible for their injuries.

Trespassing vs. Invited Guests: The legal status of the person on your property is important. If a trick-or-treater is on your property with your consent (i.e., you are actively participating in trick-or-treating and have welcomed them onto your property), you may have a greater duty to ensure their safety. However, if someone is on your property without your permission, the level of responsibility may be different.

Homeowner’s Insurance: Most homeowner’s insurance policies include liability coverage that can help protect you in situations where someone is injured on your property. This coverage may extend to injuries that occur on Halloween if they are the result of negligence on your part.

Insurance Policy Limits: It’s crucial to check the limits of liability coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy. The policy will have a maximum amount it will pay for injuries or damages resulting from a liability claim. If the claim exceeds this limit, you may be personally responsible for the additional costs.

Reporting Incidents: If an accident or fall occurs on your property, it’s essential to report it to your insurance company promptly. They can advise you on how to proceed and may provide legal representation if necessary.

Prevention: To minimize the risk of injuries on your property, take preventive measures. Ensure your walkways are well-lit, clear of obstacles, and in good repair. Address any hazards, such as loose steps or uneven pavement, before Halloween. Being proactive about safety can help reduce the likelihood of accidents.

In summary, your liability and insurance coverage regarding a trick-or-treater’s fall on your property depend on the specific circumstances, your homeowner’s insurance policy, and whether negligence on your part is a contributing factor. It’s advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and responsibilities and to take precautions to maintain a safe environment on Halloween and throughout the year. To review your homeowners insurance policy and prepare for those trick-or-treaters, contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency in Northbrook, Illinois. You can reach us by phone at (847) 480-0800 or online at https://www.basslerins.com/.

Why It’s Important to Replace Your Roof for Your Homeowners Insurance

Whether it’s raining, hailing, or windy outside, your roof takes the brunt of all the harsh elements. However, if your roof has been neglected and isn’t in tip-top shape when bad weather hits, then you could be putting your home at risk for leaks or other potential severe damage. If your roof is old, faulty, or on its last leg, your home may be categorized as high risk. This also means you may be paying a higher premium for your policy. Here, we’ll review what’s typically covered for roof damages and why a new roof could decrease your homeowners insurance.

Keeping your roof well-maintained is a general best practice to avoid extensive repairs or premature replacements of your roof. Typically, insurance policies may cover the following roof damages:

  • Rain
  • Hail
  • Wind
  • Fire
  • Fallen objects
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes

Some insurance companies will provide discounts to homeowners after they’ve installed a new roof. An asphalt shingle roof that’s 15 years old is more prone to leaks simply due to the fact that it’s near the end of its lifespan and has taken the brunt of 15 years of weather. For this reason, older roofs can be categorized as high-risk since homeowners are more likely to file a claim for damage, which results in a higher insurance premium.

On the other hand, a newer roof is less likely to be susceptible to weather damage simply due to the fact that it’s new. Different states and different insurance companies have their own discounts for new roofs, so you’ll want to consult with your insurance agent to determine how much of a discount you can receive as each insurance company has their own set of requirements for what qualifies for a new-roof discount.

Getting homeowners insurance will allow you to protect your home in the case of unexpected damages during storms or inclement weather. However, the price of protection can be hefty if you have an older roof. Some insurance companies will offer discounts for new roofs simply because it’s a new roof that hasn’t taken the brunt of ever-changing weather. In addition, some insurance companies will offer discounts for impact-resistant roofs. Fortunately, new technological advances in the roofing industry have allowed manufacturers to develop roofs that can withstand high winds, are resistant to moisture-related growth, and are resistant to impact from falling tree branches. Contact Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency in Northbrook, IL to see how your homeowners insurance policy is affected if you decide it’s time to get a new roof. You can reach us by phone at (847) 480-0800 or online at https://www.basslerins.com/.

Source: https://www.stateroofing.com/blog/roofing/why-a-new-roof-will-decrease-your-homeowners-insurance/

Why Single People Need Life Insurance

Many people wonder if single people need life insurance.

It’s easy to believe the answer is “no.” After all, the main purpose of life insurance is to provide cash to your family if you were to pass away. So, it seems logical to think you don’t need life insurance if a spouse or kids aren’t depending on your earnings.

However, there are definite times when single people need life insurance. Here are some of the most common reasons to consider life insurance if you’re flying solo.

7 Reasons Why Single People Need Life Insurance

You have debt.

Not saddling others with debt is a major reason why single people need life insurance. This is typically the case when there’s a cosigner on your loan or when you share a mortgage with a friend, relative or someone else.

Private student loans can be especially burdensome to your cosigners. That’s because unlike federal loans, they aren’t discharged when you die. This could leave a cosigner like a parent on the hook for many thousands of dollars. Shared mortgages could also leave your fellow borrower in the same predicament.

An easy and affordable solution if you have debt like this is to get term life insurance. It will step in and pay off your portion of the loan if you were to pass away prematurely.

You have people who depend on you.

Just because you’re single doesn’t mean people don’t depend on you. Perhaps you’re a single parent with young children. Or you have aging parents or disabled siblings who rely on you. If anyone counts on your income to make ends meet, you almost certainly need some form of life insurance.

You own a business.

In most cases, the financial institution that issues your business loan will require you to have life insurance. That’s to ensure they get their money back if you die before the loan is paid off.

Life insurance is also needed when you have a business partner. Your death will probably leave the business in a lurch. Fortunately, there’s special insurance known as “key person” insurance that can help keep the business afloat in the event of your untimely passing.

You want to pay for final expenses.

Did you know that a funeral can easily cost more than $10,000?

A potential five-figure price tag for a proper burial is a big reason why single people need life insurance. Without it, your friends and family will be on the line to cover those costs.

You want to grow your wealth.

Life insurance isn’t just there to take care of things if you’re not around. It can also benefit you while you’re living if you have permanent life insurance.

Permanent life insurance gives you a death benefit while also accumulating cash value on a tax-deferred basis. You can use that accumulated cash to increase your personal wealth or to buy a home, supplement your retirement income, cover an emergency expense and more.

You want to lock in coverage while you’re young and healthy.

Your health affects whether you get life insurance and how much you pay for it. Generally speaking, younger people in better health have an easier time getting life insurance. They also usually pay less for it.

For these reasons, it’s often a good idea to lock in coverage at an affordable rate when you’re young and healthy. If you wait until you develop a health condition, it can be difficult (if not impossible) to get life insurance coverage. This can be tough news to swallow if you have a partner or children depending on you by that time.

You want to leave a legacy.

Leaving money to a beloved school, religious organization, charity or person is another reason why single people need life insurance. Some or all of the policy’s proceeds could help further a mission near and dear to your heart. It could also help someone realize their dreams if you choose to give the money to someone you care about.

These scenarios show why single people need life insurance. If any of these resonate with you, show yourself some love by reaching out to Bassler & Co. Insurance Agency in Northbrook, Illinois to get started on your life insurance policy. You can reach us by phone at (847) 480-0800 or visit our website at https://www.basslerins.com/.  Source:  Amanda Austin | https://lifehappens.org/blog/why-single-people-need-life-insurance/

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