Why do you need flood insurance?

Rising waters this weekend in the Upstate caught many people off guard.  Many people don’t realize that flooding is not covered by most standard homeowners policies.  The following is a real life example of what can happen if you don’t have flood insurance- even if you live in an area that is not prone to flooding.

When floodwater from a severe, week-long storm started pouring through the walls of Becky Bentley’s house, she knew she had to get out fast. In the short time it took her and her son to run upstairs to grab the family cat, the rapidly rising water trapped them on the second floor of their home.

With the help of a neighbor, they manage to escape. But when the water receded and Becky finally returned to her Atlanta property, she discovered most of the contents and drywall were unsalvageable. She thought her homeowners insurance would cover the losses; but found out most standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.

“The water got so high, everything was just destroyed,” Becky told the National Flood Insurance Program. “I didn’t have flood insurance because I wasn’t in a flood plain, so we were told we didn’t need it.”

Floods are the number one natural disaster in the United States. While some regions, such as coastal areas, are more flood-prone than others, the unpredictability of climate change exposes all property to some risk. And torrential rainfall isn’t the only culprit. Flooding is also caused by mudflows, rapid snowmelt during spring and ice jams during winter.

Even an inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage, shocking those who find out flood losses are specifically excluded from their homeowners and personal umbrella policies.

Flood insurance provides the protection you need to cover losses after a flood ravages your property. The cost of premiums vary based on the amount of coverage you need, what’s covered and your property’s flood risk.

New flood insurance policies usually have a 30-day waiting period, so don’t delay in protecting one of your most valuable assets—your home. Contact AssureSouth today for more information on flood insurance.

 

Check out this news story and video from WSPA-

Flood Insurance, What You Need To Know

Help your body out, protect yourself from the summer heat

While the summer sun can be a welcome arrival after a dreary winter, it is important to keep the summer heat from getting the best of you. The human body can do funny things when exposed to high temperatures. To diminish its effect, remember these tips next time you’re exposed to summer heat.
Stay Hydrated – Make sure you are drinking water continually, even if you are not thirsty. By the time your body triggers thirst, you may already be on the way to dehydration. Avoid beverages with alcohol and caffeine as they can increase chances of dehydration.
 Dress Appropriately – Lightweight clothing allows heat to escape from the body, and light-colored materials reflect the sun, decreasing heat absorption.
Avoid Overwork – Avoid strenuous activities during times of peak heat, especially midday. If possible, save outside tasks for early morning or evening hours.

 

We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe this summer!

 

 

How Bad is Sitting?

How Bad Is Sitting?
Some doctors are saying that sitting is the new smoking. According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting, like smoking, is a pervasive problem that harms your health. Approximately 80 percent of Americans work a non-active job, making all-day sitting a common occurrence.
Lengthy, uninterrupted periods of sitting cause poor circulation and low calorie burn and are linked to various health problems, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as stiffness, headaches and sluggishness.

Your job may require you to spend a considerable amount of time at a desk, or maybe you’re fond of all-day movie marathons. Try these tips to sit less, move more and improve your health:

• Stand while talking on the phone or watching television.
• Have a walking or standing meeting at work.
• Stand up and stretch at least every hour.
• Wear a pedometer and find ways to add steps into your daily routine.
• Take the stairs when possible.
• Consider walking or biking when commuting to work or running errands

Preparing Your Child for College

A Few Tips for the College-Bound

College is expensive enough without the added cost of unexpected accidents or theft, not covered by your insurance policy.

How does having a child in college raise insurance considerations? The average college student will bring between $5,000 and $10,000 worth of personal property to college — ranging from technology, electronics and textbooks to clothing, furniture and bicycles. Most students will suffer a loss at least once, with the most common cause being theft and the most severe being fire and weather events.

The points below highlight some of the things that you should consider before sending your child to college.

HOMEOWNERS
• Personal Property: Most homeowners policies will cover personal property for up to 10% of your total policy while your child is residing at school (a $100,000 policy equals $10,000 in coverage). Not all types of damage are covered, so read your policy carefully. Some items such as jewelry or expensive electronics, require special coverage. Renters insurance is strongly recommended.
• Liability Coverage: General damage to a dorm room or apartment is not usually covered.
• Documentation: Creating an inventory of the items your child is taking to school is a good idea. Use photographs and keep receipts.

AUTO
• Car Stays Home: Keep your child listed on your auto policy if they will still drive your car while at home on school breaks.
• Car at School: Make sure to notify us if your child will be taking a car away to school. In most cases, if the car is registered to you and listed on your policy, it will be covered.
• Driving a Friend’s Car: Students are generally covered if they are listed on their parent’s policy and are not regularly using the vehicle. The coverage would be secondary. The insurance for the friend’s vehicle would be the primary coverage.
• Discounts: A full-time student meeting certain academic requirements can qualify for a good student discount. Distant student discounts may also be available. Drivers under 21 who have completed driver’s education may also get a discount.

IDENTITY THEFT
The 18-29 year-old age bracket accounts for 24 percent of all identity theft complaints, according to the Federal Trade Commission.  Before sending a child off to college, parents should take time to educate him or her about the potential lasting issues created by identity theft.
The insurer advises students not to carry social security cards or even the social security number. Students should also be wary of peer-to-peer sharing programs at school that create easy, unauthorized access to a computer. The insurer also advises students to avoid sharing credit cards, identification cards or PIN numbers with anyone, even a friend.

UNFORESEEN TRAGEDY
Since most college students are considered dependents, they are covered by their parents’ home and auto policy, which also means their parents can be held responsible for their actions.
For example, if a student hosts a party in a dorm or apartment, the parents could be held responsible for a variety of tragic outcomes. An umbrella policy creates an extra buffer to protect valuable assets like their home. These policies can be purchased for a few hundred dollars to provide coverage for legal judgments that exceed the standard auto or homeowners policy level.

We can walk you through the steps to ensure you have the right coverage. We’re here to help!

Long Term Care Needs

With the rising cost of Long Term Care insurance, individuals needing coverage have had to seek other alternatives. Some individuals have decided to roll the dice- to take a chance that they will not need the coverage or if they do, they will have enough money to pay for the care.

Some of those taking a chance, are hoping in some way that the government will provide the coverage, through programs such as Medicaid or other Long Term Care Programs. When the Affordable Care act was passed there was a program for long term care included, however once the program was reviewed and cost analysis were made, the government decided against starting the program. This has left individuals planning for retirement and long term care coverage, to again go back to planning a strategy they can afford.

In 2012 many life insurance companies begin adding into their policies, a rider that could meet the need for some long term care and other critical care needs. The hybrid polices as they are known, allow the insured to access a portion of the death benefits, of their permanent or term policy, for critical care or long term care needs. Events that could allow the insured to access the values in the policy, are typically, terminal illness, chronic illness that would require continuous care over an extended period, such as heart attacks, stroke, and cancer.

Whether you choose a life policy with built in coverage or a stand-alone long term care policy, it’s important to make sure you know the rewards and risk involved. The primary goal of each of these product may be similar, but to better understand the products, it would be best to consult the insurance agent for further explanation of the benefits and how it works.

Choosing the Right Security System

Choosing a home security system can be a daunting task. It’s a purchase many make only once or twice in a lifetime, so it’s not uncommon for you to be unfamiliar with the process. You know you want to protect your family and home but just exactly what you need to do that might be a mystery. Don’t let the unknown scare you. Here are some quick tips to help you get the right security system for your home.

Selection Tips

Picking the Right Company
When selecting a home security company, it is important to pick one with a history of delivering quality products and reliable service to its customers. To check dependability:
• Make sure the alarm manufacturer is listed with Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Request a reference list of current clients you can contact.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau or your local police department to see if they have any knowledge of complaints against a specific provider.
• Ask about the company’s hiring process for employees and if they use a screening process.

Add Fire Protection

When you think home security, you may only think burglar alarm. However, a fire alarm system is just as important. A fire that starts while you’re away from home can result in losses that far surpass those of a break-in. Having a fire alarm built into your home security system will ensure a quick response in the event of a fire, whether you’re home or not.
Monitoring Services
Even the most expensive system is near worthless if no one is watching it. The service that monitors your home is one of the most vital parts of your security system. While 24-hour monitoring should top your list of must-haves, there are several other features that will vary from company to company that you may want to consider.
• System backup: Traditionally, home systems are monitored through your telephone line. This can become a problem if a resourceful criminal cuts your telephone connection before attempting to enter your property. A less sinister scenario could involve a storm knocking out your telephone service. Whatever the case, cellular or radio backups can keep your system online even if all physical lines to your house are down.
• System tests: Obviously, the success of a system hinges on its ability to function properly. Many providers have the ability to test systems remotely to ensure continued functionality. Ask potential providers what types of tests they use and how often they are conducted as well as what is done if an error is discovered.
• Maintenance: Even if a provider can test remotely, your system should be inspected and tested on-site at least once a year. Look for companies that offer annual maintenance as part of your normal cost of service.

Though a home security system may seem like an expensive investment, it could help pay for itself, considering that you may get a discount on your homeowners insurance premium for having a system in place. Check with your broker to see if you qualify for a discount.

Summer Exercise Safety Tips

While regular exercise is essential for good health, it’s only beneficial if done safely. Follow these precautions to eliminate the danger in warm weather workouts.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after exercising. Experts recommend drinking 20 ounces of water before exercising and 8 ounces after finishing your workout, with water breaks every 15 to 20 minutes while exercising.
• Choose the right clothing. Wear loose-fitting clothes to allow circulation of air between your skin and the environment.
• Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 half an hour before exercising.
• Moderate your pace. If it’s hotter than usual, cut back on your pace or exposure time. Don’t try to set personal records during the hottest time of the year.

 

Vigorous exercise in hot and humid conditions can lead to heat stress, heat stroke and related complications.
Here are some signs to watch for if you get overheated (courtesy of the American Heart Association)

Symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Headaches
Heavy sweating
Cold, moist skin, chills
Dizziness or fainting
Weak or rapid pulse
Muscle cramps
Fast, shallow breathing
Nausea, vomiting or both

Symptoms of heat stroke:

Warm, dry skin with no sweating
Strong and rapid pulse
Confusion and/or unconsciousness
High fever
Throbbing headaches
Nausea, vomiting or both

Take steps to cool down and get medical attention immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Using Fireworks Safely

Watching a fireworks show is a truly magical experience at any age, whether you are at a local park or club, or making your own show in the backyard. If you are going to light fireworks on your own, there are special precautions you must take to keep your family safe as you celebrate.

Fireworks Safety Recommendations

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and warnings.
• Do not try to make your own fireworks; use only those that are commercially manufactured.
• Only light fireworks outside in an open space.
• Light one firework at a time away from others.
• Obey local ordinances regarding private fireworks usage.
• Have a bucket of water handy in case of emergencies.
• If a firework does not go off, do not try to relight it. Instead, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never light a firework in a glass or metal container.

Do not drink alcohol while lighting fireworks—they can pose burning hazards if you are not careful

Sparkler fireworks are especially fun for children. Once children are old enough, allow them to hold a sparkler under your guidance. Those who are younger than 12 years old should not hold sparklers and should remain spectators only.

 

Protection for Your Pets

Like thunderstorms or the vacuum cleaner, fireworks may frighten your family pets and cause them to shake, bark, howl, cry or hide as a result of the loud noises. In addition, some pets may even refuse to eat, drool excessively or lose control of their bladder or bowels.

 

To protect your pets from becoming stressed as a result of loud noises from fireworks:

• Keep pets indoors away from loud noises in a place that is comfortable to them, such as a crate or favorite room in the home.
• Hide fireworks and matches from pets so they do not chew or eat these items.
• Allow pets to go to the bathroom before beginning your fireworks show to prevent accidents.

Summer Yard Safety

For many of us, summer means more than sunshine and vacations. It also means working in the yard – often with tools that can be dangerous if not used properly.

Each year about 400,000 people are treated for injuries from lawn and garden tools, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Don’t let your landscaping efforts land you in the hospital! Follow these handy safety tips.

Tool safety tips from the U.S. CPSC

• Dress appropriately. To protect yourself from debris when using lawn tools, wear eye protection, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Sturdy shoes are recommended, and ear plugs may be appropriate depending on how loud the device is.
• Before starting, remove objects from your work area that could cause injury or damage, such as sticks, glass or stones.
• Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. And never assume children will remain where you last saw them.
  Use extreme caution when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.
• Teenagers using power equipment should always be supervised by an adult.
• Handle gasoline carefully. Never fill tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Of course, you should never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or any gasoline-powered equipment.
• Do not work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
• Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

Lawn Chemical Safety Tips from Texas A&M University

• If you use chemicals to control weeds or pests in your lawn, read the product label carefully so you understand the potential effects on humans, animals and the environment. Follow all instructions.
• Keep children and animals away from the application area, and protect your skin, eyes and nose during and after application.
• Remember, use only the recommended amount. Using more of the chemical will not do a better job.
• Ask yourself if you truly need to use a general pesticide. Is there a product that will specifically treat only the problem you need to solve?

From all of us at AssureSouth, here’s to keeping both you and your lawn healthy this summer!

It’s Boating Season!

It’s Boating Season

Every summer, our team gets calls from customers after a fun weekend on the water takes a turn for the worse. Often, these accidents could have been prevented with just a few simple precautions. Here are a few tips we like – courtesy of our partners at Safeco.

 

Don’t let an accident wreck your fun!

 

Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!

 

Watercraft Insurance Most home insurance policies have limited coverage for boats. If you own a boat, watercraft insurance is your best bet: It covers theft, damage, and injuries or accidents while you’re on the water, as well as some of your expensive watersportsgear.

Watch the Back of the Boat. Carbon monoxide kills in minutes. So tell your passengers where your exhaust pipes are located and turn off your engine when people are in the water, and don’t let passengers “ski” or “teak-surf” by holding on to the back of the boat. Both Washington and Oregon made teak-surfing illegal in the last few years, after several tragic deaths. Carbon monoxide detectors are standard on most new boats; older boats install devices for less than $100.

 

Alcohol and Boating Don’t Mix. More than 50 percent of drowning’s result from boating incidents involving alcohol. You don’t drink and drive, so don’t boat and drive.

 

Boats Need TLC Too. When you’re out on the water, make sure your gas tanks are vented and bilges are free of vapors, oil, waste and grease. Carry a charged fire extinguisher. Have your boat’s operating systems checked yearly by a certified marine technician. The Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer free vessel safety checks.

 

Experience Counts! The U.S. Coast Guard says that operator errors account for 70 percent of all boating accidents. Make sure anyone who drives your boat is properly trained. You can also earn boat insurance discounts from Safeco and other insurers if you complete a safety course with the Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.

 

Sites for Information:

Coast Guard: http://www.uscgboating.org

Coast Guard Auxiliary: nws.cgaux.org/

Safeco tips: http://www.safeco.com/insurance-101/consumer-tips/your-boat