Snowmobile Safety

Ok, so we live in an area where the sun shines and beach go-ers are everywhere, even in the winter time. But the nice place about our area is that the snow is just a short car trip away! If you're planning on taking a trip to the snow, enjoy a snowmobile tour!! Here's a quick article about snowmobile safety:

Bounding over trails through woods, over fields and across frozen ponds or lakes with cold blasts of air whipping around are all part of the fun that thousands and thousands of people enjoy during winter in their snowmobiles. Snowmobiling’s fun should not mask the fact that it still involves the use of fast, heavy vehicles that, in collisions, can cause severe injuries and damage to property. Some models of snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles operate at speeds that rival automobiles. Unlike autos, they are open vehicles, lacking the structural protection of even the smallest auto; therefore the danger to snowmobile users is far higher.

The danger of being injured while operating snowmobiles is compounded by some important factors. Snowmobiles are operated over rough terrain with obstacles that are often hidden by snow. They are operated in areas where the drivers are not familiar with paths or trails. Novices and older operators with poorer reflexes are attracted to recreational snowmobiling and these vehicles are often used very late at night, in remote areas. Another consideration regarding use of snowmobiles is that operators also combine driving with drinking and alcohol intensifies the other dangers.

Naturally there are practices that can help lower the chances of being in a serious accident. Snowmobile operators should:

Avoid solo snowmobiling - having another person around in case of an accident is probably the greatest safety practice.

Properly maintain the snowmobile to insure safer operation

Dress in appropriate safety gear and clothing, including water-repellant apparel

Operate snowmobile at speeds that are appropriate for conditions and terrain

Do not drink alcohol while operating a snowmobile

Use marked trails and don’t stray off of them

Carry a first aid kit, as well as other emergency equipment, especially tools, flashlights, compass, matches, etc.

Avoid crossing bodies of water as breaking through ice is a major peril (drowning is a chief source of snowmobile accident fatalities).

If you've got your own snowmobile, make sure it's insured! We can provide you with the best snowmobile policy available. And our companies don't require that you have a homeowners or renters policy. Contact your agent at Tague Insurance to get a quote!

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2010

Breaking Down Equipment Breakdown Protection

Equipment Breakdown Protection

This is a MUST READ for Tague Insurance Commercial Clients!! Call your agent to make sure you have this coverage on your policy!

Many businesses use commercial property forms to insure their tangible assets. However, they also need Equipment Breakdown Protection Coverage due to some limitations found in those same forms. An Equipment Breakdown Coverage policy handles a substantial loss exposure to items such as unfired vessels - Air, steam or water tanks, refrigeration systems, rollers, steam pressers, ironing equipment, steam cookers, generators, chemical processing tanks, motors, switches and controls, compressors, pumps, gears, etc. because commercial property policies typically exclude losses involving machinery or equipment breakdowns. The breakdown form provides the following coverages:

1. Property Damage - This coverage pays for direct damage to covered property (certain types of office machinery and equipment) that has to be listed (described) in the policy.

2. Expediting Expenses - This coverage applies to extra costs insured experiences in order to make temporary repairs and to speed-up (expedites) the permanent repair or replacement of damaged property.

3. Business Income and Extra Expense – Extra Expense Only - These coverages may, optionally, be purchased together; or to buy extra expense coverage alone. For example, a covered business loses most of its records due to a breakdown of its main server. Most of the costs associated with restoring the information would be covered by the equipment breakdown policy.

4. Spoilage Damage - Spoilage damage to raw materials, property in process or finished products is covered when that property is either in storage or in the course of being manufactured, the insured owns or is legally liable under written contract for the spoiled property and a lack of or excess of power, light, heat, steam or refrigeration caused the spoilage.

5. Utility Interruption - This coverage is available ONLY when a customer also purchases coverage for Business Income and Extra Expense – Extra Expense Only or Spoilage Damage. This coverage responds to loss involving equipment breakdown created by loss of utility service (gas, electric, water or communication). Also, the loss or service must last beyond the time-limit that appears on the policy (a sort of time deductible).

6. Newly Acquired Premises - This feature automatically covers newly acquired premises purchased or leased by the insured and the period of protection depends upon the length of time selected for this coverage (i.e. such as 30 days, 60 days, etc.).

7. Ordinance or Law Coverage - The Ordinance or Law Exclusion eliminates coverage for loss created by the imposition of ordinance or laws affect the rebuilding of the damaged property. This coverage pays such costs, within guidelines in the coverage, provided any increase in the loss amount is necessary due to the enforcement of any laws or ordinances in force at the time of the breakdown which regulate the demolition, construction, repair or use of the building or structure.

8. Errors and Omissions - This coverage pays for loss or damage that would have been covered except for the insured’s error or unintentional omission in describing covered property, a failure to include any premises owned or occupied by an insured when coverage began or, the insured’s error or unintentional omission that results in the company canceling coverage at one of the insured's premises.

9. Brands and Labels - This provision pays part of a company's expense to remove and re-label its own, salvaged merchandise.

10. Contingent Business Income and Extra Expense – Extra Expense Only Coverage -. This Protection applies to loss resulting from a breakdown to equipment at premises upon which the insured is dependent upon in order to run its own operation, such as a key materials supplier.

Be sure to talk to a qualified insurance professional at Tague Insurance in case you need details on how to best protect your critical business equipment.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 2006

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

What's The Difference?! Vacant & Unoccupied Homes

First, there IS a difference. The difference between the two is a matter of time and intent. While unoccupancy is a temporary condition and an exception to a residence normally having occupants, vacancy generally represents abandonment of property. The point is that either condition may affect your coverage under a typical homeowner policy. It is quite important to understand the consequences of either condition in order to keep your coverage intact.

Peeking At A Homeowner Policy

Generally, a homeowner policy has a couple of areas that may be affected by a home's occupancy status: damage caused by freezing, or certain property and loss due to vandalism. Let's talk about them in detail.

A homeowner policy usually protects a home from any loss that is caused by a frozen:

plumbing system
heating system
air conditioning system or
appliance

Example 1: Fern Guddyson and her family leave their home in Minnesota in January. They'll spend the next 10 weeks in Miami because Fern is teaching a graduate course in Zen awareness at Palm Leaf University. During a bitter cold spell at their home at the end of March, the water line to their refrigerator (for its ice-maker) freezes and breaks. Later, when the line thaws, it overflows and, eventually, soaks all of the home's oak flooring and carpets. Fern makes a claim to her insurer when the family returns home. The insurance company rejects the claim when they find out the home was unoccupied for more than 30 days before the loss.

Unfortunately for the Guddysons, most homeowner policies will not cover freeze-related losses that occur during an extended period in which the home is either vacant OR unoccupied. But this loss of coverage can be avoided if the homeowner takes special steps. Precautions usually involve either draining any systems or appliances of water and shutting off the home's water supply, or keeping the home heated during the absence.

A homeowner policy typically offers protection to a home that is damaged by acts of vandals.

Example 2: Fern Guddyson and her family leave their home in Minnesota in January. Again, they'll be in Miami for the next 10 weeks while Fern gets her doctorate in surfing from Palm Leaf University. A week before the Guddysons return, a group of kids breaks most of their home’s windows. They then enter the home and use tools to smash doors, floors and walls. Fern makes a claim to her insurer when the family returns home from Miami. Their insurer estimates the damage and gives Fern a check to cover her loss.

Typically, vandalism losses are covered even during periods of extended unoccupancy. However, if the Guddysons had emptied their home of all furnishings and turned off the power for the time they were gone, the vandalism loss would not have been covered.

Why Are Such Exclusions Necessary?

Homeowner policies contain such exclusions in order to avoid special loss situations. A vacated home becomes an attractive nuisance, often attracting vandals. If a home is to be vacated, it may be necessary to purchase dwelling fire coverage to protect the home. In regards to loss caused by freezing, insurers want to encourage homeowners to do a little planning in order to reduce or eliminate the chance that a system or appliance causes a loss. If an insured refuses to act responsibly toward their property, they risk the chance of an uninsured loss.

If you're facing a situation in which your home will be unoccupied or vacant for an extended period of time, call Tague Insurance and make sure you do whatever is necessary to preserve your full insurance protection. You can also check out our Learning Section of our website for more info!

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc., 1996, 2000, 2007

The Scoop on Umbrella Coverage (Part 1)

If you've been wondering about umbrella insurance - what it is, how it protects you, and if you need it, this is a great place to start! The personal lines department at Tague Insurance can answer any questions you have about umbrella insurance and help you decide if it's right for you!

Let’s say you have a policy for your home and the cars driven by your family. You have just the right policy for the apartment you rent out to others as well as special coverage for your boating excursions. Your homeowner's policy even has a special, added coverage to handle the business that your spouse runs out of your home. Yes, it looks like you can be confident that you have all the coverage you need. But let’s take another look. Maybe you need an umbrella. An umbrella is the term for a liability policy that fits over your primary policies. Besides providing an additional (excess) level of coverage, it sometimes provides protection that is not available under your primary coverage.

Umbrellas are designed to be carried over a person's primary (also known as underlying) liability coverage. Primary refers to the fact that in the event of a loss, the liability portion of your auto or homeowner coverage is the first to respond. Umbrellas or excess liability policies respond to an eligible loss only after the primary insurance has paid its limit.

It's quite possible that your primary insurance limits provide more coverage than you'll ever need. However, circumstances could involve a type of loss that is not completely covered by a primary policy. For instance, your newly licensed child is driving the family car and slides on an icy highway. He ends up causing a chain collision damaging several cars and injuring a dozen drivers and their passengers. Or maybe you often volunteer to help transport members of your son's first grade class on field trips and you have an accident because you tried to beat a yellow light. If you don't have enough primary coverage, any shortage may have to come out of your personal assets.

Umbrellas generally provide additional liability coverage for the following underlying policies:

Personal Automobile
Homeowners / Farmowners
Recreational Vehicles
Watercraft
Personal Liability

The additional coverage may often extend to providing for related expenses, also on an excess basis, such as the cost of providing a court defense. Part two if this informative article will be posted in the next week or so. If you just can't wait, call Tague Insurance for your no-obligation Umbrella quote!

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc. 1998, 2002, 2008

Great Christmas Tree Safety Tips!!

Happy Holidays everyone!! Before decking the halls and lighting that tree, be sure to check out this great article on Christmas tree safety tips, and call Tague Insurance Agency if you have any questions about coverage that your homeowners or renters insurance may provide for potential holiday claims.

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS
15 Must Know Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Let's face these days it seems like there danger in everything we do. But don't worry there are plenty of safety tips to ensure there are no mishaps this holiday season. Below is a list of things you can do to make you have a happy, accident free holiday season.

1. Make sure you buy the freshest tree possible (brittle leaves is an indicator that your tree is dry)

2. Cut off a half inch of the trunk of your tree, this will allow the tree to suck in more water

3. When choosing a spot for your tree, make sure there are no heating vents, radiators, fireplaces or used electrical outlets.

4. Make sure your tree is not blocking any exits

5. Make sure you keep candles and other sources of fire away from the tree at all times.

6. Make sure your Christmas tree lights are for indoor use and are the correct voltage. Also only buy UL lights because they are tested for safety.

7. Try to use miniature lights, they produce less heat and are more energy efficient.

8. Make sure your Christmas tree stand is secure and stable

9. Give you thirsty tree a lot of water and re-fill it everyday

10. Check all of your lights for shorts before you put them on your tree

11. Shake your tree free of dry bristles before you take it inside

12. Turn your Christmas trees off at night and when you're leaving the house

13. Keep flammable items like curtains, paper and combustibles away from your tree

14. Have a fire extinguisher nearby for those rare emergencies

15. Discard your tree right after Christmas to avoid having a dry, dead fire hazard in your house!

And remember, most of all, to have a safe, and happy holiday season!

Tague Insurance: Facebook Fan of the Week Drawing #8

We are pushing toward a goal of 500 Facebook Fans by 12-31-2010. Please become a Fan of Tague Insurance on Facebook. You could be one of our lucky weekly winners! Tague Insurance enjoys having fun with our clients and prospects, but at the same time is very serious about providing the best insurance coverage at the most affordable rates. We would love to provide you an estimate for your auto, home, life, or business insurance.

Remember to become a Facebook Fan today! Congrats to our Week #8 Fan of the Week....

Tague Insurance: Facebook Fan of the Week Drawing #7

Congratulations to our winner....you won a $25 Visa Card!!! Tague Insurance sincerely appreciates our Facebook Fans.

Spread the word to all your Facebook Friends to Like our page so they have a chance at winning.

*** Winners: please email your mailing address to info@tagueins.com so we can send out your gift card.

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Tague Insurance - Homeowner Policy Coverage

When you own a home it is important to have a basic understanding of the coverage on your home insurance policy. Tague Insurance wants to make sure that you have an opportunity to get some understanding of the main coverage items. The article below is a very basic yet understandable overview of a few key coverages.


Homeowners Coverage – Part 1

Generally, a homeowners insurance policy includes at least six different coverage parts. The names of the parts may vary by insurance company, but they typically are referred to as Dwelling, Other Structures, Personal Property, Loss of Use, Personal Liability and Medical Payments coverages. They are usually presented as policy sections and are often labeled Coverages A through F. This article discusses Coverage Parts A, B, and C, which protect property.

Coverage A, Dwelling

The homeowner policy's first coverage section protects your house and any attached structures, such as garages, decks or fences. The typical policy covers your home when it is damaged by many perils (also known as causes of loss) including fires or storms. However, the following causes of loss are usually excluded from coverage under the homeowners policy:

Earthquake
Flood
Faulty maintenance
Damage from insects or vermin
Wear and tear, gradual damage or deterioration
Coverage B, Other Structures

This coverage section protects structures that are not attached to the home, such as a detached (separate) garage, storage or utility shed, playground equipment and swimming pools.

Coverage C, Personal Property

This covers your possessions, whether they are at your home or away with you on vacation. Personal property is often covered on a named peril basis. This means that only the causes of loss listed in the policy section are covered. The coverage is also subject to limitations and exclusions. Types of property having significant value, such as jewelry, fine arts, collectibles, etc., may require special protection. Talk to your agent about scheduling (adding) coverage on a floater which broadens and extends coverage for high-valued possessions.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

Commonly, protection under sections A and B is provided on either an actual cash value or a replacement cost basis. Actual cash value is defined as replacement cost minus depreciation. Replacement cost is the actual cost to replace the structure, regardless of depreciation. Check your policy to see which type of coverage you have. Coverage under section C is usually provided on an actual cash basis. However, your agent may be able to add replacement cost to your possessions just like that found in Coverage A.

Please be sure to read Part two, which briefly discusses other coverage.

COPYRIGHT: Insurance Publishing Plus, Inc., 1996, 2003, 2010

Tague Insurance Agency Blog

by Tony Veteto

Welcome to our current and prospective clients. This is our new blog and we invite you to subscribe. The purpose of the Tague Insurance Agency blog is to bring you relevant information that will help you make better decisions when dealing with your insurance needs.

Our clients look to us for their car insurance, home insurance, and business insurance needs. Tague Insurance Agency has been serving the insurance needs of Carlsbad and San Diego county residents since 1969.

The most important insurance need is to be taken care of when you have an insurance claim. How do you get the best odds of having your insurance claim handled well? Simple, find an independent insurance agent who works with only top rated insurance companies like Metlife, The Hartford, Travelers Insurance, Safeco Insurance, etc. These types of companies are well established and generally handle claims with top notch service. Tague Insurance Agency represents our clients, not any one insurance company. What does this really mean for you? It means that the staff at Tague Insurance Agency will do everything in our power to not only find you the best value for your car insurance and home insurance; we will strive to provide the best customer experience possible.

To our current clients we say thank you for choosing Tague Insurance Agency, and to prospective clients give us a call to get personalized service and the best value for your car insurance, home insurance, and business insurance.

Have a great day and we look forward to bringing you valuable insurance information on this blog.

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