by Flagship Staff | Jul 30, 2019 | Blog
Every year millions of people travel the globe to visit and explore. No matter your destination, renting a car may be a part of your plan. If it is, are you prepared?
After a long flight, bus ride, and wait in the rental car line, you’ve finally made it to the front of the line. With a sigh of relief, you walk to the counter and are greeted. All you want to know is if your car is available and if you can get the keys to continue your journey. And then, you’re asked the question. Would you like to buy our insurance that provides coverage if something happens to the car? As an insurance professional, this is still a question that makes me think. I should already have coverage, right?
Understanding what your policy covers before you start your travel is important and can help you in this situation. However, one of the questions we frequently receive from our policyholders is: Are rented vehicles covered by the personal auto policy?
While the most common scenario is renting a private passenger vehicle while on vacation, this also applies to renting a moving truck or motorhome for personal use.
Car rental companies recommend that you buy their collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). These waivers remove the right of the rental car company to charge you for damage to their car. While this can offer you peace of mind, it can be expensive, and you may already have coverage under your personal auto insurance policy.
Amy Justman, senior personal lines underwriter will explain the difference between a standard policy and a West Bend Home and Highway® policy.
The standard policy language developed by Insurance Services Office (ISO) and used by many personal auto insurance companies provides coverage for rented vehicles. However, this can be limiting, as it only covers damage identified as collision and other-than-collision and a deductible will often apply. There may also be limits to the type of vehicle covered.
Collision insurance coverage provides protection for damages caused by upset of your covered auto or impact with another vehicle or object.
Other-than-collision (Comprehensive) provides protection for damages caused to your car, which are not collision related.
West Bend’s Home and Highway® policy, on the other hand, includes rented vehicle coverage. This allows us to provide the coverages above, plus any other damages for which you’re found legally liable – including those assumed via contract (aka the rental agreement) – up to the limit of liability. Additionally, under liability coverage, there’s no deductible. The liability coverage automatically applies to four-wheel vehicles licensed for road use when rented for personal use.
This is a feature we call out as especially unique to our Home and Highway policy because of the broad coverage. Again, all insurance providers and their coverage forms differ, so make sure to contact your agent before signing the liability waiver and driving off!
If you do contact your agent before traveling, here are some questions that should be a part of the conversation. Please note: The answers here are specific to coverage provided by the Home and Highway policy but they’ll still help you understand how insurance coverage works.
1. Who’s covered for rented car coverage? The “insured” and a “family member” as defined by the personal auto coverage form.
2. Is there a coverage territory for rented car coverage? Yes, the coverage territory is:
1. The United States of America, its territories, or possessions
2. Puerto Rico
3. Canada
3. Is there a limit to the amount of coverage West Bend will pay on a covered loss to a rented car? Yes, the Property Damage or Combined Single limit is the total amount we’ll pay for damages to the rented car.
4. Will West Bend pay for loss of use to a rental car company? After a loss, our Claims department will investigate to determine if the rental car company did indeed suffer a loss of use due to damage to the rented car; we’ll only pay if warranted. If we find there were other fleet vehicles available for rent while the damaged vehicle was being repaired, there was no loss of use. In that case, we’ll deny this portion of the claim. If they can validate they experienced loss of use, we’ll provide coverage for a reasonable period. For example, replacing a windshield shouldn’t take more than a day.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, it would be wise to purchase additional coverage.
by Flagship Staff | Jul 23, 2019 | Blog
As summer temperatures begin to rise, keeping your family and pets safe should be your top priority. If you live in a climate that experiences snow and cold temperatures, the summer heat is usually welcomed. However, all too often we see headlines about how extreme heat can be deadly.
According to a 2014 report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 666 people die annually in the U.S. because of heat-related reasons. While many people take precautions for extremely cold temperatures, we may forget to take precautions when it’s extremely hot. Here are some things you should know about extreme heat and what you can do to protect your family and pets.
Understand heat related alerts
Like many other weather events, understanding the different terminology can be crucial to staying safe.
Excessive heat warning. If this warning is issued, act immediately. This warning is usually issued within 12 hours of when the heat index temperature is expected to be 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a minimum of two days with evening temperatures at 75 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Excessive heat watch. This watch is issued if excessive heat is expected within 24 to 72 hours. The timing of this heat event could change causing the watch time to change.
Heat advisory. Like an excessive heat warning, the advisory is usually issued within 12 hours of an event. However, the heat index temperature is expected to be 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a minimum of two days.
Excessive heat outlooks. Outlooks are issued when there could be an excessive heat event in three to seven days.
Remember, excessive heat and cold are equally dangerous. Please keep an eye on watches and warnings for your area.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion
Nothing beats keeping the windows open and enjoying a nice summer breeze or a round of golf. However, when temperatures become extreme, it’s important to stay cool to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Here are some symptoms of heat exhaustion:
Confusion
Dark-colored urine
Dizziness
Fainting
Fatigue
Headache
Muscle or abdominal cramps
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Pale skin
Profuse sweating
Rapid heartbeat
If any of these symptoms become present while spending time outdoors, get into an air-conditioned room or car immediately.
Symptoms of heat stroke
Prolonged exposure or physical activity in high temperatures can cause your body to overheat, leading to severe complications. If left untreated, heat stroke can damage your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles.
Here are some symptoms of heat stroke:
Throbbing headache
Dizziness and light-headedness
Lack of sweating
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid, shallow breathing
Confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness
Tips for you and your family
1. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated year-round is important, but especially during the hot summer months. The amount of water you need can differ from what other people need, depending on activity level and body type. To stay properly hydrated, consider drinking 68-135 ounces of water per day. If you don’t like water or it’s difficult to drink, consider adding a flavor packet to it.
2. Reschedule outdoor activities. The hottest time of the day is between 11:00am and 3:00pm. Avoid participating in strenuous activities during this time. Consider venturing outdoors earlier in the morning or later in the evening.
3. Stock up on supplies. Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and medications. You may not realize this, but because so many air conditioning units are running, power outages can occur more frequently. Severe thunderstorms aren’t the only way to lose power during the summer months.
4. Watch for signs of heat-related illnesses.
5. Check on elderly parents or neighbors.
6. Wear appropriate clothing. Wear light, cool, and loose-fitting clothing. Also consider wearing a hat and sunglasses.
7. Never leave children in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for a car to reach deadly temperatures.
8. Keep the heat out. Close the blinds or the pull the shades in your home to keep the heat out. In your car, if you have a moon roof, close the interior cover and consider putting a sunshade in your front window. If you don’t have a sunshade, consider buying a steering wheel sun cover to prevent your steering wheel from becoming too hot to touch.
Tips for your pets
1. Limit outdoor activities. Take them for a walk or to the dog park in the early morning or evening hours. Or reduce the amount of time spent outdoors. If your normal walk routine is 30 minutes, cut it to 20 minutes on hot days.
2. Protect your dogs’ paws. Concrete, sand, and asphalt can get very hot. Avoid taking them on these surfaces during the peak time of the day or buy them proper paw ware.
3. Consider buying cooling products. A cooling wrap, vest, or mat may provide nice relief. Fans don’t provide as much relief for pets as they do for us.
4. Never leave pets in a parked car. When running errands, no matter how much they whine, consider leaving them at home. A car can get dangerously hot even with the windows cracked.
5. Provide access to plenty of water.
6. Be on the lookout for signs of overheating. There are a couple of things to be aware of regarding how our pets cool off. First, pets sweat mainly through their feet. Panting takes heat out of their bodies. Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, and drooling may occur if they’re overheating.
by Flagship Staff | Jul 16, 2019 | Blog
I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of people whose gifts or money have been stolen at their wedding reception. You’re probably thinking, “That won’t happen to me” or “I don’t think any of my guests would ever do that.” Well, wedding gift theft is very common and in many cases, stolen gifts are never recovered. As a bride-to-be myself, I’m taking this seriously and I think you should, too!
To ensure stolen gifts don’t ruin your big day, take some of these tips into consideration:
Think about the layout of your reception space when determining where to place your card box and gift table. Put your card box and gift table away from doors, high traffic areas, and especially away from spaces that the public can access.
Designate a friend or family member to keep an eye on your gifts throughout the night. Have that person empty the card box and put gifts in a secure area – perhaps the trunk of a car or a hotel room. As the evening goes on, you may even consider removing your card box as most guests will bring their cards and gifts in prior to dinner.
If you’re the person responsible for the card box and gifts, remember, you can never be too careful. When putting items in your car or hotel room, double check it’s locked when you leave. Even if you only plan to step away from your car for a few minutes, make sure you lock it. It only takes a few seconds, and a sneaky bystander to notice your absence and steal the card box. Can you imagine telling the newlyweds their cards and gifts were stolen on your watch?
When selecting a card box, try and pick something that would be difficult to open or hard to steal. Use a unique card box, something that’s easily noticeable and would be obvious if it was missing. Make sure the opening of your box is just big enough for a card to fit through too!
Even if you’re a guest at a wedding and notice someone out of place or acting strange, don’t be afraid to say something. Most times, gift theft is done by an uninvited person.
Consider purchasing wedding insurance as another line of defense. Wedding insurance will protect your from more than missing wedding gifts.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies only offer a small amount of coverage for stolen money. West Bend’s basic policy provides up to $250. This isn’t much money when you could be gifted significantly more.
Another option includes the Protector Grand endorsement which provides up to $500 in coverage for stolen money, plus additional coverages. The highest coverage limit you can choose is $1,000.
As for your actual wedding gifts (blender), they’re considered personal property so there would be coverage. However, you’d need to contact your guests to figure out what was gifted before contacting your insurance company. A deductible may apply.
by Flagship Staff | Jul 10, 2019 | Blog
Did you know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, that nearly 35 million people pack up and move each year? Whether you’re relocating for a new employment opportunity, you need a bigger space for your expanding family, or you’re looking to live in a nicer neighborhood, moving can be extremely stressful.
From transferring children to a new school district and finding new utility and healthcare providers to creating new daily routines and making your new place feel organized and comfortable, making a move can be exhausting and disorganized if not done correctly.
While moving will never be one of America’s favorite pastimes, it can be an excellent opportunity to get organized, simplify your life, and throw out old belongings that are cluttering up your space. To ensure you stay calm during the chaotic whirlwind of packing and moving, here’s some guidance on how to prepare and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Make an Action Plan
The worst thing you can do is leave preparations and packing until the last minute. To keep yourself on track, make an electronic to-do list outlining what needs to be moved, what can be donated or thrown away, and what rooms you plan to tackle first. This way, you can access the information on your phone from any location. Always keep important documentation in an easy-to-access place and carry it with you during the move. This way, if you need to present any confirmations, receipts, or certificates, you won’t have to rifle through boxes in a frenzy trying to locate them. When you box up belongings, be sure to label each box to simplify the unpacking process. For example, you could label a box “Kitchen pots, plates, and silverware – Fragile.”
Keep it Simple
Juggling your home life and work demands during the moving process can seem overwhelming. Keep all your appointments, work deadlines, children’s schedules, and other important obligations stored on an electronic calendar, preferably your smartphone, so you can receive alerts and reminders straight into the palm of your hand. The goal is to find harmony between your regular routine and the added tasks that come along with pulling off a seamless transition to your new home. Share and coordinate schedules with your partner or family so you can divvy up packing, contacting vendors, and completing other necessary tasks that need to be done before moving.
Update your Address
In addition to notifying the postal service of your change of address, make sure your credit card companies, cable and internet provider(s); gas, electric, and utility vendors, insurance company; employer; and friends are all provided your new information.
Do an Inventory of your Home
There’s no better time to go through all your possessions and take inventory of valuable belongings for your insurance company. Additionally, you can group belongings into categories for packing, dispose of items you no longer need, and declutter your life. Anything you decide to get rid of can be donated to a local charity, sold on Craigslist, LetGo, or eBay, or thrown away all together.
Packing 101
Here’s a little tip on how to pack efficiently: use your bedding, sheets, and towels to wrap, cushion, and protect breakables, such as glassware, picture frames, and decorative pieces. Not only will this save you money on bubble wrap, but it’s an optimal way to use up space in your boxes while ensuring your valuables are kept safe. If you own luggage, you can use these bags to pack shoes, toiletries, clothes, or even last-minute items that you want to use up until your moving day arrives.
by Flagship Staff | Jul 2, 2019 | Blog
Do you remember your first bike? I remember mine very vividly. My neighbor and I had matching his and her bikes. I also remember many bike trips to my grandmother’s house.
If you live in a big city, biking may still be a part of your life. Depending on traffic, biking may be a quicker alternative to get to work. In addition, many communities are adding bike trails which offer a great way to get out for a ride with your entire family.
Biking is a great way to improve your health, save wear and tear on your car, and reduce emissions.
If you’re in the market for a new bike you may want to consider buying an e-bike. While e-bikes are more expensive, they’re gaining in popularity and offer many benefits.
What’s an e-bike?
An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor. It’s another option for anybody that enjoys riding. A common misconception is that an e-bike is like a scooter or a motorcycle. All you have to do is jump on and go. With a power assist e-bike, you must pedal which still allows for a great workout. Power assist e-bikes allow you to travel further distances, climb hills in an easier manner, and reduce muscle soreness.
Are all e-bikes created equal?
There three classes classes of e-bikes. They are:
1. Class one – Pedal-assist up to 20 mph.
2. Class two – Found more often online, these bikes are pedal-assist with an electric throttle up to 20 mph.
3. Class three – Higher-end or performance type bikes, such as mountain bikes, that are pedal-assist only up to 28 mph.
Are e-bikes regulated?
E-bikes are regulated, but regulation can vary by state or municipality. Check with your local laws and abide by them.
What bike equipment do I need for an e-bike?
Like with any sport or hobby, the proper equipment is important. Here’s some equipment you should have no matter what type of bike you ride.
Helmet
Mirror
Bell or horn
Lights
Bright clothing
Are e-bikes covered by insurance?
A West Bend policy automatically provides coverage if you buy an e-bike that goes 20 mph or less. If you buy an e-bike that goes faster than 20 mph, you’ll need to talk to your independent agent to have it added to your policy.
