Tuesday's Tips - Why You Need an Insurance Checkup

It's all in the numbers -  tens of millions of US households have insurance policies that are seriously out-of-date. As a result, the following questions should be asked. If the answer to one or more of these questions is yes, you should contact us as soon as possible so that your insurance policies can be updated.

• Have you recently started a home-based business? If so, this loss exposure may not be adequately protected.
  
• Has your house undergone major renovations or improvements? If so, your home may be underinsured.
  
• Has your marital status changed? If you have recently gotten married, for example, you may now qualify for a multi-car discount on your car insurance.
  
• Have you recently purchased new valuables or collectibles? If so, you may be seriously underinsured for these items. Specialty policies or endorsements can properly cover them.
  
• Are you now participating in a carpool? If so, your exposure to injuring passengers has grown and your liability limits may need to be increased.
  
• Are you now retired? If so, your car insurance premium will likely drop since your annual mileage should decrease.
  
• Have you added a burglar alarm with central station reporting for your home? If so, you could qualify for a homeowners premium discount.
  
• Have you replaced your roof?  Have you updated major heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems? If so, you may qualify for additional discounts under your homeowners policy.
  
                         Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620  
                                                               Bob Lancaster Insurance
  
  
  Serving Florida since 1964
  
  

Eight Surprising Comprehensive Auto Insurance Perils

Even the most careful drivers occasionally get into accidents -- that's why auto insurance was created. But your car can be damaged even if you're not in a crash -- which is why there's comprehensive auto insurance. Comprehensive is an optional coverage, and without it, you might just be left holding the bag financially, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Simply put, comprehensive is coverage for events "other than collisions." And here are eight things that you might not realize are covered by your comprehensive auto insurance policy.

1. Earthquakes and Floods

Homeowners insurance policies may exclude earthquakes and flood, but your comprehensive auto insurance is truly comprehensive when it comes to disasters. Hurricanes, tornadoes, volcano eruptions, earthquakes, and floods -- they're all covered.

2. Fire, Even When Caused by a Car Defect

Vehicle fires occur every 96 seconds in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and although non-crash fires are rare, some are caused by electrical problems or a defective fuel system. Indeed, nearly every major car company has recalled one of its vehicles due to a fire-related defect. A new study from the Highway Loss Data Institute shows that the claim frequency for vehicles with fire-related defects -- prior to a recall -- is 23 percent higher than for other vehicles.

3. Rodent Damage

A squirrel snuck into your garage and gnawed through your car's wiring system? Unlike homeowners insurance, which excludes damage caused by pests, your comprehensive auto policy may provide coverage; check your policy carefully to be sure.

4. Meteorites and Asteroids

Okay, there's a pretty slim chance your car will get hit by an asteroid, but it's not out of the realm of possibility, and if it happens, you would be covered by your comprehensive policy. More importantly, the coverage extends to almost any type of falling object, including hail, trees, and the neighbor's kid's baseball.

5. Riots

Unfortunately, every now and then, a victory celebration or peaceful protest can get out of hand and morph into a full-blown riot. If your car were to get caught in the middle, any damage resulting from the incident -- from being flipped or from such things as explosions, fire, and smoke -- would be covered. The same goes for acts of vandalism.

6. Deer, Birds, or Other Animal "Contact"

Watch out for that deer! An estimated 1.22 million deer-vehicle accidents occurred in the United States between July 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013. But deer aren't the only animals that can damage your car. Bears have a habit of breaking into cars around national parks, looking for food that visitors leave behind. Your trail-mix supply might be a goner, but with comprehensive auto insurance, you won't have to "bear" the damage alone.

7. Theft

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, more than $4.3 billion were lost to motor vehicle theft in 2012, and the average dollar loss per theft was $6,019. Nobody wants his or her car to be a crime statistic, but at least you would be covered if your car disappears in the night.

8. Broken Windshield 

A cracked or shattered windshield is a fairly common occurrence. If a piece of gravel or other road debris suddenly puts a ding in your vehicle's windshield while you're driving, it can quickly spread and become a large and dangerous crack. In fact, in many states, it is illegal to drive with a cracked or broken windshield. Not only is such damage covered by your comprehensive policy, but also many companies offer the option of no-deductible coverage for glass damage specifically.

Check with your insurance professional to find the best auto coverage for your situation; in many cases, a policy that combines liability with comprehensive and collision coverage provides the full breadth of insurance coverage you need, especially on a newer car.

                                 Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620  
                                                             Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Work Comp Wednesday - Lessons from Losses

While cutting down a tree, a worker dropped a chainsaw on his forearm causing a severe laceration. He had to be transported by helicopter and underwent surgery for tendon damage. He also had to endure a second surgery for a skin graft due to the extent of his wound. He missed several weeks of work with complete restriction to his arm. He also received occupational therapy over an extended period of time. The injury caused extreme pain and suffering and cost over $120,000.

Some jobs are inherently dangerous as well as the tools required to complete these tasks. Combined with human error this can lead to catastrophic outcomes. There are several things that can be done to minimize the potential for injury when using chain saws and other hazardous equipment:

 Clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw's chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting.

 Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.

 Keep your hands on the saw's handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw.

 Proper personal protective equipment must be worn when operating the saw, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection.

 Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.

 Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw.

 Watch for branches under tension, they may spring out when cut.

 Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kick-back.

 Be cautious of saw kick-back. To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

                                 Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620  
                                                             Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Work Comp Wednesday - Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers

HEAT ILLNESS CAN BE DEADLY. Every year, thousands of workers become sick from exposure to heat, and some even die. These illnesses and deaths are preventable.


OSHA's nationwide Heat Illness Prevention Campaign aims to raise awareness and teach workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather and provide valuable resources to address these concerns. Begun in 2011, the Heat Illness Prevention Campaign has reached more than 7 million people and distributed close to half a million fact sheets, posters, quick cards, training guides and wallet cards. OSHA is again joining with other federal and state agencies and non-governmental organizations to spread the word about preventing heat illness. For example, OSHA is continuing its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service to include worker safety precautions in their Excessive Heat Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products.


Available on this web page are numerous resources that can be used to prevent heat illnesses:

• The Educational Resources section links to information about heat illnesses and how to prevent them. Many of these resources target vulnerable workers with limited English proficiency and/or low literacy.
• The Using the Heat Index section provides guidance to employers to develop a heat illness prevention plan.
• The Training section includes a guide/lesson plan for employers and others to use in instructing workers on heat illness. There are links to additional resources in other languages.
• The Media Resources section includes news releases, public service announcements (PSAs), drop-in articles about heat illness prevention that you can customize to share and campaign artwork.
• The Fatality map shows locations of outdoor worker, heat-related fatalities between 2008 and 2012. It is not an exhaustive list of all worker fatalities from heat exposure. The map provides a geographic reminder that Water.Rest.Shade. are vital to providing a safe and healthful environment when working outdoors in the heat.

The Heat Illness web page and many resources are available en español.
We hope you will join with us in this effort by helping to reach workers and employers in your community with the resources you will find on this site.

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Who is affected?

Any worker exposed to hot and humid conditions are at risk of heat illness, especially those doing heavy work tasks or using bulky protective clothing and equipment. Some workers might be at greater risk than others if they have not built up a tolerance to hot conditions. Occupations most affected by heat-related illness are: construction, trade/transportation/utility, agriculture and building/grounds maintenance and cleaning. Other workers who may be affected by exposure to environmental heat include those in transportation/baggage handling, water transportation; landscaping services; greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production; and support activities for oil and gas operations.

What is heat illness?

The body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating isn't enough. Body temperature can rise to dangerous levels if precautions are not taken. Heat illnesses range from heat rash and heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can result in death.

How can heat illness be prevented?

Employers are responsible for providing workplaces that are safe from excessive heat. Employers should provide workers with water, rest and shade; should gradually increase workloads and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more to build a tolerance for working in the heat (acclimatization); and should educate workers about the symptoms heat-related illnesses and their prevention. Employers should also include the steps to prevent heat illness in worksite training and plans as well as what to do in an emergency. Acting quickly can save lives!
OSHA's key pieces of advice for workers are:

• Drink water every 15 minutes, even if you're not thirsty.
• Rest in the shade to cool down.
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing.
• Learn the signs of heat illness and what to do in an emergency.
• Keep an eye on fellow workers.

Remember these three simple words: Water, Rest, Shade. Taking these precautions can mean the difference between life and death.

 
                                  Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620  
                                                             Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Annual Reports Were Due May 1st

If your business is a Florida corporation (INC) or limited liability company (LLC), and you did not file your company’s Annual Report by the May 1st deadline – you are late. All business entities must have filed their Annual Report with the state by May 1st to maintain an “active status” with the State of Florida.

The only exception is that corporations and LLC’s that were initially formed in 2014 do not have to file an Annual Report until next year. The Annual Report requirement does not apply to sole proprietors or general partnerships.

Not sure and would like to double-check that you have filed it? Go to the Division of Corporations’ website at www.sunbiz.org and click on “Search Our Records” and then “Inquire by Name.” Enter your company’s name, and a list will pop up. Find your company’s name in the list and click on it. This will bring up all the information about your company that the state of Florida has on file. If you scroll down towards the bottom of the screen, you will see a section called “Annual Reports” which lists all the Annual Reports your company has filed with the State of Florida. If you see an Annual Report filed for 2014, you are all set. 

If you did not file your Annual Report by May 1st, the state will charge you a $400 late fee. The state cannot waive this late fee.

Please do not confuse this Annual Report requirement with “Annual Minutes.” Some private companies are sending mail to Florida businesses offering to prepare “Annual Minutes” for their corporation for $125. Some businesses have been confused into thinking that they were satisfying their Annual Report requirement when instead they were sending $125 to a private company for corporate minutes. These companies offering “Annual Minutes” do not file your Annual Report for you, so if you have paid money for minutes, please check to make sure your 2014 Annual Report has been filed with the state.