Beware of Board-Up Solicitors and Storm Chasers!

After a disaster like a fire, tornado, or hurricane, you may be inundated by solicitors offering everything from board-ups, debris clean-up, roof repairs, or other disaster recovery or property preservation related services. Some of these solicitations may be in the form of a simple door hanger, mailer, or a business card left on the doorstep. Others may be much more forward in their approach, you may get a call on the phone or someone shows up in person while the fire trucks are still present. Some typical comments you may hear from a solicitor include:

"I saw the fire on the news and wanted to come by and offer some help." "I was in the neighborhood and saw that you needed a board-up." "We work with most insurance companies and dispatch crews after disasters to help people." "The fire department called our office and told us to send out a crew to secure the property."

Although some of these individuals may be representing legitimate businesses, others may be the proverbial "wolves in sheep's clothing" or disaster predators. Keep in mind there are people out there who know you are vulnerable after a disaster and they have only one objective in mind - to take advantage of you.

In communities all across the U.S., particularly after house fires, salespeople come out of the wood work to get the job of boarding up windows and doors. In some cases, they may even offer to do this type of work for free. Do they do this because there is so much money to be made putting up a few sheets of plywood or a tarp on the roof? Is it because they are so concerned about protecting homes from further damage? Or is there something else behind these offers of help?

So what is so significant about an offer to board up a burned out home? Some companies who offer these type of property preservation services know if they get the job of cleaning up or protecting the property, most likely will get an opportunity to bid on the repairs and/or get the job of the complete rebuilding. They also know that once they get their foot in the door, they can start building a relationship and work towards winning your trust and confidence. In the end, the reward they may be looking for is the money in your insurance policy. This is where an unsuspecting disaster survivor can become a disaster victim... when the wrong person is allowed in.

Here are 12 tips to consider immediately after a disaster if you need a board-up or other property preservation services:

Contact your insurance company or agent to notify them of your loss. They may recommend a company to assist you with board-up services. Beware of any company or solicitor that discourages you from contacting your insurance company. Beware of high pressure sales tactics or offers of discounts or free services. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations of local, licensed, bonded, and insured contractors that might be able to help and document who referred them to you. Do your homework! Ask to see certificates of workers' compensation insurance, general liability insurance, contractors licensing, business licensing, references, etc. Companies that solicit property preservation or board-up services should carry this type of information with them. If they cannot provide you with this information, don't do business with them. Ask to see a driver's license and snap a photo of it if possible. Do not deal with out-of-town contractors. Write down the license plate number of any vehicles belonging to the company. Remove any valuables from your home like cash, jewelry, firearms, keys, etc. and take them with you or put them in a safe place. The home may be vacant and without power for some time. Insist on a written contract and don't sign work authorizations or contracts with anyone until you have read every word, agree on the price, and understand the terms completely. If you don't understand something or have questions or concerns, contact an attorney or at least let your insurance agent review the documents for you. Don't allow the contractor to do anything other than what is needed to secure the property or mitigate further damage. If you feel like the person soliciting you is acting suspiciously contact your local police department. Notify your local police or sheriff's department that your property will be unoccupied.

It is impossible to cover all the potential tactics a disaster predator might try in order to take advantage of you, so keep in mind a reliable rule of thumb... "If you didn't request it, reject it!"

Stay Safe!

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How To Insure Your Engagement Ring

So much goes into buying the right engagement ring. Beyond the cost of it there was likely a good deal of time spent researching and learning more about the 4Cs and what to look for in a diamond, but there is also time spent going to different jewelry stores to find just the right diamond and the right setting. This is a significant purchase, not only because of the cost and value of the ring but also because of what it symbolizes. Because it is such a valuable and sentimental item it is important to consider engagement ring insurance to protect it.

Choosing A Policy

Insuring an engagement ring isn't that difficult, but like car insurance you should do some comparison shopping to compare the type of coverage and the rates you can get at competing companies. If you have homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance you may already have some coverage, but the coverage you get from these policies, if any, probably won't cover the full cost to replace the ring. They also may not cover all the circumstances for which you want coverage.

When calling around to compare coverage check with your current homeowner's or renter's insurance agent. They may be able to add a specific rider to your policy to cover the engagement ring. Sometimes by bundling all your insurance coverages under one company will provide you with discounts that make it worth while. But don't just assume this will be the best way to go. Some companies may not be able to offer the type of coverage you want. Another option is to go with an insurance company that specializes in jewelry insurance.

What You Can Expect To Pay

The cost for engagement ring insurance will vary based on a few different variables. For starters rates can vary state to state and city to city; areas that have higher rates of theft will have higher rates. Different coverage levels will also affect the rate. But generally speaking your annual cost for engagement ring insurance will likely be about $1 to $2 per $100 of the value of the ring.

What To Ask

Before you commit to a policy it is important to make sure you have the coverage you want and that you understand exactly what the policy covers. Here are some questions to help you get started: Does the policy pay cash so you can choose a replacement, or do you have to get a replacement at a specified jeweler? Does the coverage cover loss, theft and damage? Are there any situations that aren't covered? Does the policy cover the full value of the ring or just part of it? Is there a deductible?

Some of the best protection includes always keeping your ring in a safe place when you're not wearing it and not wearing it when you are doing any type of task that could harm it. But even when you try to do all the right things there is no guarantee your ring will always be safe. That's why it is a good idea to have engagement ring insurance.

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Simple Measures to Look After Your Precious Jewellery

If you have just bought something special or are about to make a big investment, or if you have existing jewellery that you hold dear, have you taken any steps to keep it safe?

Here's a few straight forward tips you can follow to help look after your jewellery and ensure you enjoy it for a long time to come.

1. It's obvious, but make sure you have jewellery insurance in place. You can arrange this as part of your household policy or take out a separate policy.

2. Don't just assume that if you already have a contents policy that your jewellery is included. Depending on the value of your jewellery you may need to specify any individual items and get an all risks protection.

3. Take a few pictures of your jewellery, including sizes -help will help the insurers to find a a replacement or arrange to have the item recreated.

4. Make sure your valuation is less than 3 years old. If you've had your jewellery for a while and your last valuation is over 3 years old, there's a good chance you will not be insuring your jewellery at the correct amount.

5. Even if your jewellery was bought recently, with the cost of gold and precious metals having increased rapidly over the past few years it could be that your jewellery is not insured for the correct replacement cost. We suggest that you speak to your jeweler and see if they recommend a new valuation for your jewellery.

6. Check the small print of your policy wording. Some insurers insist that you have a valuation every 3 years.

7. Check whether your insurers impose any requirement for jewellery and watches. For example you may need to get the settings and claws checked for your diamond ring at regular intervals or the clasp on your watch. Also do you need to keep your jewellery in a safe place when you are not wearing them?

And should the disaster strike and your jewellery or watch gets damaged, lost or stolen, here's a few simple rules to follow to smooth the claims process.

1. Report any loss as soon as you can to the police. If you are abroad, report it to the local police and get a crime reference number. Also report it to the resort where you are staying.

2. If you arranged your insurance through a broker, call them first. They role is to help you and they will present your claim to the insurers and help the process of getting the claim paid out.

3. Give the insurer all the proof you have of ownership (pictures of your jewellery, receipts and the up to date valuations).

So make sure your jewellery is properly protected and hopefully you will get many years of enjoyment from your precious jewellery.

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Habitational Insurance for Commercial Vs Residential Property

Multiple residence property owners have the daunting task of monitoring and satisfying the needs of a number of tenants. This comes with a slew of specialized risk management concern as well. Ownership of residential properties such as apartments, condominiums, and student housing creates a series of unique risks. As such, some research may be in order to procure the appropriate insurance for the properties being managed. Because different types of properties have different types of exposures, ensuring adequate limits and proper coverage can be challenging.

In addition, there may also be a need to keep track of multiple projects and policy expiration dates, which can be extremely overwhelming. That's why it's important to have a specialist to aid in finding the right types and amounts of insurance.

The basic insurance needs for anyone owning Habitational properties is general liability coverage, in case of tenant injury or losses caused by: fire, wind, storms, theft, and malicious damage or vandalism by the dwelling's tenants. Additionally, depending on the location, flood insurance is recommended. A well-crafted Habitational and commercial property insurance policy can protect in light of any or all of these risks.

Who should have property management insurance coverage?

Anyone involved in any of the following activities should speak to an expert who understands the unique insurance needs of property managers:

Renting or leasing real estate to others Managing real estate for others Selling, buying or renting real estate for others

Commercial properties carry some of the same risk factors as residential properties

If you are a real estate investor, but choose to focus on commercial properties rather than residential properties, you also need properly secured Habitational and commercial property insurance policy that is designed accordingly. Just like residential property, general liability and catastrophic event coverage should be purchased. However, when it comes to commercial property, you need to also look at carrying environmental and/or pollution coverage, commercial automobile coverage, or worker's compensation coverage.

Whether the owner of only residential property, only commercial property, or some of each, working with a professional  Habitational and commercial property insurance provider to create policies that will cover all areas of risk is sound management. Such professionals can advise as to what coverage options are available, standard limits, and a variety of unique ways in which this coverage can best protect the properties based on its use and location.

The basic insurance needs for anyone owning Habitational properties is general liability coverage, in case of tenant injury or losses caused by: fire, wind, storms, theft, and malicious damage or vandalism by the dwelling's tenants. Additionally, depending on the location, flood insurance is recommended. A well-crafted Habitational and commercial property insurance policy can protect in light of any or all of these risks.

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The Shocking Truth About Tablet Insurance

Do you need tablet insurance? Whether it's the Samsung Galaxy or the new iPad that you've just purchased, you certainly won't want your device to meet an untimely end without the protection that an insurance policy can provide. You'd insure your home, your car and even your health, so why not insure your expensive gadgets as well? Here are a couple of options that you have when it comes to getting insurance for your tablet.

Do You Need Tablet Insurance?

But wait, you say. I'm a careful person, I've never dropped my phone and broken it or spilt coffee on any gadget. Well as careful as you are, you may still be a victim of theft or lose out because someone else wasn't careful with your tablet. Your child might be playing it one day and spill a drink on it, or drop it to the ground and crack the screen. You simply can't foresee the dangers that may befall your tablet at any given moment, so you're better safe than sorry by getting an insurance for your gadget.

Getting The Right Tablet Insurance

So how do you pick out the right tablet insurance for your needs? Well firstly, you need to know that there are two components to every policy when it comes to payment. These are the premiums that you will be paying each month, and the excess fee you will fork out when you make a claim. Often, insurers will lower their premiums to lure in customers who don't know any better, and then charge a hefty excess fee on the back end. Ultimately, this isn't value for money, and you should turn your eyes towards policies that may have higher premiums, but a lower excess fee and more cover options.

The standard cover for any tablet insurance policy should protect you against theft, loss and damage. What separates the average policy from good deals is the depth of the cover that you get. For example, certain policies will only cover you for liquid damage, while others will cover you for damage from accidental drops and breaks in addition to liquid damage. While the more comprehensive policy may cost slightly more, if you're going to invest in insurance you may as well cover all your bases, right?

Which Tablet Insurance To Go For

While smaller insurers may give you a lower price or an overall more attractive package to get you to sign up, getting insurance from them aren't necessarily a good idea. After all, you need to be sure that they will pay out on their claim, and provide you with value for money to boot. Certain smaller insurers may end up shortchanging you by giving you a lesser model as a replacement, or perform shoddy repair work on your device. I would personally recommend looking up a larger insurer like Barclays or Lloyds TSB for your needs.

The Final Word On Tablet Insurance

All in all, there's no question that tablet insurance is an essential part of protecting yourself against risks to your expensive new toy. If you follow the guidelines that I've shared with you, you should have no problems getting a good deal on your policy.

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How New iPad Insurance Can Save The Day

Getting new iPad insurance is important to prevent getting stuck with an expensive paperweight or having your iPad stolen. Yes, these new electronic gadgets can do just about anything you want them to do, but they are also susceptible to damage and theft. The last thing you want to do after buying one of these little gems is to have something happen and have to buy it again.

That is where iPad insurance can step in and save the day. If you do not know what insurance is, you pay a monthly premium to a provider who in turn will repair or replace your device if something happens to it. Of course there is more to it than that, but that's the basics.

There are a many factors that can affect how much your monthly premium is. One of the most influential is the deductible amount. This is the amount you are responsible for paying before the insurance company will pay out. This helps prevent a large number of small claims and saves the resources of the insurer for the more expensive issues. By choosing a higher deductible, you are agreeing to pay more in the event of a claim. If you are generally careful with your device and do not expect anything major to happen, this can be a good option to take to save some money. If something catastrophic does happen, you will at least have some protection against having to buy another one at full price.

Many iPad insurance policies will cover your device while traveling. If you do a lot of traveling for business or pleasure and plan to take your iPad with you, this can be an easy way to protect yourself while on the road. While the manufacturer's warranty will sometimes cover damage while traveling, this is not usually the case when outside the country it was purchased. It would be a good idea to double check your warranty before taking your iPad on a trip. You definitely do not want THAT surprise while you are away from home.

While on the subject of traveling, if you do not travel or do not plan to leave the country you might be able to save some money on the premium by opting out of travel insurance. Not all companies will allow this, but it can't hurt to ask. All they can do is say no.

With the portability of the tablets these days, theft is another major concern for owners. The Apple warranty will cover damage of almost any kind to your tablet, but they do not cover theft. If you frequently take your iPad out with you, especially to high traffic public areas, you should seriously consider getting insurance in addition to the warranty coverage. It's a small price to pay for a lot of protection.

Hopefully you have learned why new iPad insurance is important for your peace of mind and for the protection of your wallet. By providing financial protection against theft and damage while traveling or at home, you are free to fully enjoy the use of your tablet.

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