After an Accident

As an insurance agent, I often receive a call about an accident immediately after it happens. I picture my client standing in the middle of the road with a smoking car and fluid leaking from the point of impact. If you have lived in California for a long period of time, you probably have seen a bad accident or two. However, most accidents occur in parking lots and thankfully, involve low speeds. People always ask me, what do I do after an accident? If the accident is an emergency call 911 and avoid moving an injured person. This may seriously complicate the injury. Do your best to warn other drivers, turn on hazard lights, set flares or signal with a flashlight or flag. When everyone is safe, exchange information starting with insurance documentation. Make sure to get the license plate number from the vehicles involved and the names of any drivers, passengers and witnesses. Double check the other party’s driver’s license to make sure it is valid and the picture matches the person. Be careful what you say, do not admit responsibility. Investigation may show that you were not responsible. When appropriate, report the accident to the proper authorities. Your insurance company may do this for you if/when you make a claim with your carrier. Some things to remember to write down: time of accident, location and cross streets. Road conditions are very important in some situations including weather or construction. Look for traffic signs or signals and street lights and report if you think the other party is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Call the police immediately if you feel threatened in any way, as some people get very upset. If the police arrive, get the officer’s name, badge number and phone number so you can follow up with them later and possibly give a report. Remember, accidents happen. They are unfortunate events but chances are that sooner or later, your drive will be interrupted by one. Know what to do; staying calm, collecting important data, saying as little as possible. These are vital steps in helping the healing process, for both you and your vehicle.

Importance of having Household Inventory Records

If you had a burglary or fire in your home tomorrow, you wouldn’t want to rely on just your memory when filing a claim. The items you use every day may come to mind quickly, but what about that set of silverware used only on special occasions? An inventory of your household goods, in both words and pictures, is essential to getting all the benefits from your insurance policy. Compiling a list of possessions can provide you and your insurance agent with a base for determining whether your homeowner coverage is sufficient. You may need to fill in the gaps or eliminate costly overlaps. Getting the full benefit of your insurance coverage is important if and when a claim may happen. You don’t have to be a professional photographer or camera person to do an inventory of your possessions. Start by photographing or videotaping each room, wall by wall, floor to ceiling. Then take close-up shots of the valuables in each room. When you finish each room, go on to the closets, attic, garage and storage sheds. When you’re finished, write basic information on the back of the photos or include this information in the audio portion of your videotape. Review your photo/video inventory every two to three years. Note changes in your possessions such as a new TV or couch you have reupholstered. Delete items you no longer own. Sales receipts help prove ownership and for recent purchases, they also establish the value of an article. Insurance companies do not expect customers to keep receipts for everything, but major purchases should be documented. Secure your records in a safe place. Do not keep all of your inventory records at home! The inventory itself could be destroyed in case of fire or other household damage. Consider such locations as a safe-deposit box or the home of a relative. Safeguarding the value of your home and its contents may require investing a little time and money, but should you ever suffer a loss, you’ll have all the documentation you need to file and back up your claim quickly and easily.

Fire Season is approaching

The changing of the seasons and the cooling of the air can be some person’s favorite time of year. The hot summer is over and the holiday season is upon us. However, this time of year brings uncertainty as many fires are sparked in the dry, windy and open areas. Each year, nearly 3,000 people die in U. S. home fires. In 2003-2006, roughly two-thirds of home-fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarms. In more than half of the reported home fires where smoke alarms were present but didn’t operate even though the fire was large enough, batteries were missing or disconnected. Nuisance alarms were the leading reason for disconnected alarms. More than half of the smoke alarms found in reported fires and two-thirds of the alarms found in homes with fire deaths were powered by battery only. Sobering facts leading to the main points of making sure your home has smoke alarms and then make sure they work properly. You should check the batteries every 6 months and some people do it when we change the clocks for Daylight Savings. This is an easy reminder for something simple that could change your life. If you have children from the ages of 2-68, it is a good idea to practice fire drills and be aware of every exit around the home. A second story window could be the only possible exit if the stairs are blocked. Also, have a place to meet away from the house so everyone will know who is out and/or missing. The right combination of prevention and preparedness can help an unfortunate experience from becoming a tragedy. Make this fall season your year to fire safe your home so you can relax and take pleasure in the cooler weather and enjoy the upcoming holidays.