Be a Common Sense Host!!

Holidays and special events often include celebrations that bring together families and friends in private homes across the country. Food, fun, talk and spirits flow generously and, unfortunately, so do injuries and accidents. It’s not news to hear that increased drinking leads to increases in personal tragedies, but it’s important to get reminders that individuals must be responsible for their actions.

Hosts are very important with regard to any consequences of partying. Hosts are given the credit for the enjoyment that their guests experience at a party. On the dark side, party-givers are also asked to bear partial or full responsibility for guests who cause damage or injury on the way home from a gathering. In other words, they may be sued for contributing to losses caused by alcohol-impaired guests.

Although hosts are often found legally culpable for accidents; the brunt of responsibility has to be faced by the individuals who directly cause a loss. There would have to be strong evidence to support a host being held financially responsible, since any involvement is indirect. For example, Jane provides drinks to Barrie, who then plows into the side of Chris’ car and garage.

While a homeowners policy may offer coverage if a host has substantially contributed to a loss, an insurer may be able to deny a claim for a number of reasons, including:

A gathering involves the host making an income

The involvement of paid bartenders

The party is thrown as a fundraising event

A host’s knowledge that the guest was impaired and continued to serve liquor

The host failed to make arrangements for impaired guests (designated drivers, taxis, lodging, etc.)

Local or state law(s) related to providing alcohol

Hosts who take their responsibility seriously are those who make sure that parties are thrown responsibly, are done as a social (rather than business) event, and that the chances of sending drunken guests on the road are minimized. A good host will make sure that food is available, that a liquor supply under his or her control is cut-off and that impaired friends or relatives are prevented from endangering themselves or others. No celebration should end up with a lawsuit.

Questions about coverage for your special event? Contact your agent at Tague Insurance at 760-729-1143!

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2001, 2010

Insuring Your Bling

Most homeowner policies provide very limited coverage for jewelry. The reason for this is that jewelry is high-valued (especially in relation to its size), is easily lost or destroyed and is vulnerable to theft (as well as fraud). If you only own a modest amount of jewelry (say just a few hundred dollars), perhaps the limited coverage provided by a basic policy is adequate. However, when high values are involved, consider buying special insurance coverage (sometimes called a floater). A few options are available such as buying supplemental insurance that is attached to your homeowners or tenant's policy or purchasing a separate jewelry policy.

Discussing what is needed and expected from separate coverage is very important. Does the coverage consider jewelry values that increase over time? Does it cover mysterious disappearance (when you know the property is gone, but can't pinpoint when and how the property was lost) and other causes of loss, or just fire and theft? Discussing the coverage also helps you understand the steps you must take to make sure that you keep the maximum coverage in force and whether the coverage you receive is worth the additional price.

Documenting The Jewelry's Value
If the jewelry has just been purchased, a store receipt or certificate should establish the insured value. However, as time passes or circumstances change, the insured value must be reevaluated, perhaps by seeking an appraisal (expert opinion). Getting an appraisal that affirms your jewelry's current value is an excellent way to assure that your property is properly protected. Of course, make sure that you work with a competent appraiser (check their credentials and number of years of experience). It is also helpful to talk to a potential appraiser. Does she seem to have the necessary expertise? How willing and able is she to explain her work? There are several professional jewelry and appraisal associations that can give you information on appraisers and appraising methods. All of these items are important, especially since you have to pay a fee for an appraiser's services.

Handle With Care
Once you're certain about the value of your jewelry and the adequacy of its insurance coverage, you need to properly handle your jewelry. After all, who wants to actually file a claim? If you own a significant amount of expensive jewelry you may want to look into other precautions such as:

* Get new appraisals every two or three years, sending a copy to your insurer
* Take photos of your jewelry from several angles; again, share copies with your agent or insurance company
* Consider a quality in-home security system, including a hidden vault or storage area
* Take care on where and when your jewelry is worn to try to avoid becoming a theft target
* Keep original receipts and all appraisals, especially if they demonstrate that the jewelry's value is appreciating
* Ask your jeweler whether they have access to "Gemprint," or a similar jewelry identification system that documents a jewel's distinctive markings much in the manner of fingerprinting.
* Consider storing jewelry that is rarely worn in a bank or saving institution’s vault. (Note that such special storage often qualifies for an insurance premium discount)

Again, your first step is to talk to an insurance professional since he or she shares your concern that you have the protection you need at a price you can afford. Your Tague Insurance agent can let you know what your options are for insuring your valuable pieces of jewelry, and can help you get a quote. Contact them at 760-729-1143, or visit them on the web at www.TAGUEINS.com for more info!

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 1999, 2002, 2008

How Much Is That Doggie In The Lawsuit?

If you have pets, this is a great article to read! This will help you understand the potential issues with your 4-legged family member and your insurance policy. If you have any questions about how your pet may affect your homeowners insurance, or want to verify that your pet is an acceptable breed for your insurance company, feel free to contact Tague Insurance at 760-729-1143!

While dogs make great companions, playmates, and protectors, they also continue to be a problem for insurers. Nearly two million people are bitten by dogs each year with around 800,000 persons requiring professional medical treatment for their wounds. Each of these incidents is a potential lawsuit.

Have Teeth, Will Bite
Tens of millions of U.S. households own dogs and biting incidents keep climbing. A key factor that contributes to these incidents is the failure of dog owners to supervise and train their pets. Another problem is that many persons, especially children, do not know how to behave around dogs. Bites may occur when:

* a person stares at a dog, which the animal perceives as a threat or challenge
people attempt to handle dogs during sensitive moments (while a dog is trying to eat or while nursing puppies)

* trespassers or house guests invade a dog's territory

* rough-housing" with a dog escalates beyond playing.

An Issue Of Control
Insurance is still designed to handle accidents, and companies are at a severe disadvantage when policies are asked to respond to losses that are easily avoided. Dog bite claims involve the insured having control over areas such as:

* choosing to own a dog

* choosing the particular breed of dog

* raising the dog in a certain manner

* housing the dog in a certain manner

* exposing the animal to various social situations

* being knowledgeable about a dog's temperament and inclination to bite or attack.

All of the above elements can contribute to lawsuits and to action from an insurer.

The "Policy" On Dogs
If you have homeowners insurance and you own a pet, the liability portion of your policy provides protection for losses arising from pet ownership. Not only are you and your household protected, but coverage even extends to persons who have custody of your pet. However, your policy won't cover businesses that may have custody of your pet, such as kennels, obedience schools, groomers and professional sitters or walking services (they should carry their own coverage). Further, coverage could become problematic if dogs in a home are related with unreported, in-home business activity. Losses involving persons who are bitten while in a home for business reasons may not be covered.

Minimizing The Problem
Owners have a responsibility to raise and handle their dogs in a manner that reduces the chance for a loss. Steps to take include becoming knowledgeable about their breed of dog and about general principles of ownership and care. They should make certain that family members, social visitors, neighbors and strangers are protected from the owner's pets. Owners should also take advantage of resources to help them, such as tips from animal shelters, dog ownership clubs, the AKC and a plethora of Internet sources.

It may not be the fairest set of circumstances, but more insurers are choosing not to give dogs the benefit of the doubt. It is becoming more common for companies to refuse to write coverage for persons who own certain breeds of dogs. Therefore, owners must fight this trend by not taking their pet ownership lightly....because insurers aren't.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 1998, 2004, 2010