Kids driving golf carts are a common sight on golf courses. Many parents and kids are not aware of the legal implications that come with this type of driving, not to mention the fact that it’s illegal for non-licensed drivers to operate a golf cart.
Some excuses I’ve heard for allowing kids to drive a golf cart:
It’s good practice for driving a car.
It’s just fun!
Golf carts don’t weigh much.
Golf carts don’t travel very fast.
They are driving on a cart path, not a street.
What would happen if your child was driving with a few friends as passengers and someone really gets hurt? Who would pay for the doctor and hospital bills? If there is a liability lawsuit, who is going to pay for those damages? Most families don’t have thousands and thousands of dollars sitting around to pay a judgement. I know I sure don’t!
What are some insurance coverages that you can purchase to help protect yourself?
Liability Protection
Golf cart liability insurance provides coverage for any injury or accident that may occur while using a golf cart. Liability insurance is often required by the club or course and it is important to purchase this insurance before using a golf cart.
Injuries and accidents happen all the time, so it is important to be prepared when they do happen. Liability insurance can help cover costs like medical bills, lost wages, punitive damages, and pain and suffering if someone gets hurt while driving your golf cart. Ask your agent about adding an endorsement for the cart, and transfer that risk from your personal pocketbook to your insurance company.
2. Theft Protection
What will happen if your golf cart is stolen? Would you have the funds available to replace it? If you have comprehensive coverage on your golf cart, you would able to file a claim to receive compensation if it is stolen.
3. Property Protection
If you include collision coverage, the insurance company helps pay for repairs to your own golf cart if you are in an accident. This coverage is very helpful for the more expensive golf carts out on the course.
The best way to prevent an accident with your non-driving age kids and your golf cart is to make sure they don’t drive the golf cart. Remove the keys and put them in a safe place that is inaccessible.
Golf carts can be fun, but the damage and injury that can be caused by inexperienced drivers is no laughing matter.
By: Check out our newest blog post by a guest blogger, Anson Thompson, Insurance Agent and Author Extraordinaire!
(EXCERPT)
I’ve had a few conversations with people asking about our Air B and B’ing of our home. We now spend two months in Colorado and one month in Indiana; our Indy home is vacant for eight months a year. We had talked about opening it up but thought it might be a hassle. So last year, at a Synergize event, I asked one of my fellow members if he had a person that managed Air B and B’s. He referred me to “Tom,” and we did a walkthrough of our property.
We went back and forth on the benefits, the downsides, but in June of this year, we officially listed it on multiple sites, and I thought I would share our experience thus far.
But first, let me share the story of my friend Phil who has a home in Colorado and for a few years offered up his residence on VRBO. When it was occupied, he and his wife would go camp, live their everyday life, and make some extra scratch on the side. They now have a baby, I don’t think they offer their home anymore, but one can list their residence online and make money using their asset.
I guess this little word soup is for people with multiple homes; if you own a couple of places, here’s your Wednesday morning idea. Rent your home when you are not using it! In April of this year, we began moving our “personal” items into our master closet; believe it or not, we don’t have a lot of personal things, most of our belongings are more communal. We’re not sentimental folks.
Before deciding to list your home and a house-sharing site, I strongly recommend you find a local manager. You do not want the calls in the middle of the night about the toilet not working or the door that won’t lock; it’s more than worth it to give a few points of your income to someone else to manage the space. Many individuals and companies now specialize in this operation; our company has 42 units in our area.
We began our listing in June of this year with no expectations; we list it for an average of $500.00 a night, although we have a much lower price for our friends and family program. The cost includes cleaning, maintenance, and anything that needs attention. Before listing, our provider had a photographer come in and shoot the essence of our space, giving the traveler a good idea of where they would be staying.
Our location is critical; we are within walking distance of downtown Indy; you can get to a pacers game, colts game, or concert with a nice walk or very short UBER ride; it’s also close to the convention center. We have three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a nice kitchen to prepare big family meals; it’s a lovely spot for a couple or large family to use when visiting Indianapolis.
We earn some nice income from the property; we have the money deposited into the new account we set up expressly for this operation. Our idea was to try this for a year and see if the income was worth it and how much damage our home would sustain.
Well, here we sit in almost November; our house has been rented multiple times, and we did spend most of the summer in Colorado. It was rented most of the summer.
We returned home in June; the key to our system is blocking the time we will be home which is easy; we tell our property manager what dates to block, and the house is not available when we are home. We arrived in September of this year after many folks had used our home, we didn’t know what to expect, but our house was cleaner than usual. It does not hurt to have a commercial cleaning team manage your home when away.
I think we will continue leasing our home on a short-term basis; we have learned that Indy is a convention town, there are many opportunities to provide a perfect space for those visiting, and many come for multiple nights. However, we do have a three-night minimum, and we set our price point so we would not have people that just want to have a party in our home.
We are happy with our decision; I thought it might be good to share if others think about this as an additional income stream. It makes owning a second or third home possible, and you can even add to your top-line income if your home is in a place that people like to frequent. Of course, if your home is not in an area that people frequent, you still might consider listing it; we travel across the country quarterly and have stayed in places like Colby, KS, and Russell KS, places one might not usually think about having travelers.
Well, that will do my little story about our Air B and B or VRBO experience; we are avid users of the service when traveling, so we do have a basis of understanding of the process. However, if you are new to the idea, pack your bags and do some experimental travel to see how others manage their homes; hell, if ever in Indy, use our home, you will not be disappointed, and we have many five star reviews to back up the quality, location, and positive experiences of our guests.
“The young writer should learn to spot them: words that at first glance seem freighted with delicious meaning, but that soon burst in the air, leaving nothing but a memory of bright sound.” — E.B. White
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By Anson Ross Thompson · Launched 8 months ago
Observations from a Cornfield Kid that now lives on Top of a Mountain
A big thank you to our guest blogger for this blog post, John Rice – The Lexpert Real Estate
The home inspection is the toughest part of a sale I think.
It can be hard to get past the condition, even a house that inspected pretty good, since your inspector gave you an entire book containing everything that is wrong with what is about to be the biggest purchase in your life.
What I try to tell my buyers is that no house is perfect. They are all in various stages of Mother Nature trying to destroy the home and reclaim the property. Everything has a life span and given enough time, everything on a house will need replaced or some maintenance.
I’ve probably been the Buyer’s agent on well over 400 inspections and gotten repairs lists for hundreds of listings I have had. Know what I have found? Most of the issues that turn up from a home inspection are either deferred maintenance or things that the inspector noted were done a little less than textbook perfection.
Here are some things that are on almost EVERY home inspection report:
Windows or door that need caulking, faucets that drip, loose outlets, cracks in sidewalks and driveways, downspouts that are not out far enough away from the house, air conditioner condensation lines that drain too close to the house. Minor plumbing issues are common. Minor electrical issues are common. Often the flashing on a roof needs some attention. Older houses tend to not have grounded outlets. Few houses have weepholes in brick to allow moisture behind the brick to escape. Few houses have flashing where a gutter ends at an exterior wall to prevent water from splashing on the side of the house………and the home inspector I recommend always seems to find loose toilets, lol!
I think the hardest thing for buyers is that they think they have picked a loser house when they have 20-30 of these common issues. It is easy to assume that the house you picked to purchase is the only one with these issues. That you can walk away from this one and the next house you buy will be perfect. I don’t know how successful I have been at convincing my buyers of this, but I normally tell them that 80-90% of the same issues found on their house will be found on any house. I have also joked that there needs to be a rule that the inspector has to inspect the Buyer’s old house first, and anything found at their old house can’t be asked to be repaired at their new house.
Since the topic of this is when to walk away, I guess I better get into that.
If you are a first time buyer or don’t have a lot of money, I guess you walk away if the the big ticket items don’t have much of their lifespan left. If you have a 22 year old roof and won’t have any money to replace it in the next few years, it might be best to walk away.
If you have a house with a problem such as a major structural issue that will impact your ability to sell the house to the next buyer when you move, might be good to skip that house.
When I bought my current home, I had it inspected. It had all the usual issues. I did the inspection type that is very common in this hot seller’s market: I could inspect it but wouldn’t ask for repairs. I would take it or leave it. I of course chose to take it because to be honest, I loved the property so much that there wasn’t anything that was going to deter me from living there. I had all the usual items.
Being a landlord, realtor and middle aged man who has owned lots of homes, there was nothing that scared me nor surprised me. It was just a “To-do” list that I prioritized and am getting it all sorted as I find time. Which brings me to something else I tell my buyers. If you will encounter pretty much the same items on any house, why not just stick with the sale of the one you fell in love with after looking at all the other houses you had to pick from?
This is especially true in today’s market where you have so few choices and odds are you will pay even more for the next house as prices go up while you wait for it to come on the market.”
Your home owner’s policy offers lots of coverages, right? There is coverage for the exterior/structure of the home and also for other structures on the property, such as a barn, shed, detached garage, etc.
You also have liability coverage in case someone is hurt on your property – your dog bites someone or someone slips and falls on an icy sidewalk.
And of course, you have coverage for your personal items inside your home. Imagine if you flipped your house upside down and all the stuff fell out – the clothes, furniture, electronics, jewelry and guns – those are personal articles that are covered.
So if your home was a total loss, maybe a big fire or a tornado, how does the insurance company figure out what you had inside?
Basically, if you have a 2,000 square foot, 3 bedroom home with an average value of $250,000, an adjuster is going to give you money for the normal and customary items and quality of what would be found in that home to refurbish your items inside the home.
What if you have unusual items that are difficult to just go out and easily value and purchase? How do you get those types of items replaced?
The VERY BEST WAY to be sure your unique items are replaced are to have a record of them on file with your insurance agent. Some items that come to mind are collections of any kind. Think guns, jewelry, art, watches. Since we are in Kentucky, think about your bourbon collection. If you have very rare and expensive bottles, be sure you have a detailed record of each one.
If you are a spreadsheet type of person, make a nice intricate spreadsheet showing all your prized possessions and email it to your insurance agent.
For the rest of us, a simple video will suffice. Take a moment and walk around your house to record what is there. If you need to open drawers or doors or safes to show the contents, please do so. Then email the video file to insurance agent, just in case.
Chances are you’ll never need this record, as a total loss is not common. However, if you DO need to replace these items, you’ll probably be in a very emotional and stressful state already, and you’ll be so glad you took a few minutes to record these items for ease of processing the claim and replacing those things.
Summer has officially started here in Central Kentucky! Maybe you are looking at a sparkling pool in your backyard. Maybe there is a trampoline under a nice shade tree in your yard where all the neighborhood kids love to gather and jump. Maybe your fur baby dog isn’t much of an ice and snow type of pet and loves to play outdoors in the summer with friends at a backyard BBQ.
While all of these scenarios are what summer dreams are made of, have you ever thought of what the implications in your life could be if someone got hurt on your property having fun?
Did you know? (www.safekids.org)
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old.
It’s the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 19 and under.
Children under the age of 10 most often fatally drown in swimming pools
When faced with these types of statistics, you can see that being hyper-vigilant as a homeowner with a pool is imperative. A few easy ways to be safer and protect yourself and others from accidental drownings include:
HAVE A FENCE AROUND YOUR POOL WITH A LOCKING GATE. Most insurance companies require this but if not, take it upon yourself to just install the fence and gate.
Buy a sensor that stays in the pool and sounds an alert if a water disturbance (such as the splash of a child falling in) is detected. You can also buy individual wearable alarms that children can wear. The alarm goes off when it touches water.
If you have an above ground pool, move your ladder away from the pool when not in use.
If you’re having a pool party, tag team with other sober adults to be the “lifeguard” in charge of watching all the kids in 15-20 minute increments.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the injuries that can be sustained on a trampoline. Broken arms, broken legs, or more serious injuries like a head injury or broken neck are very real possibilities. If your own children are injured, of course you will get them the medical attention they need and your personal health insurance will pick up the bill. What happens if one of the neighborhood kids is injured? In all likelihood, their parents will want to file an injury, or liability claim against your homeowner’s insurance policy. What if there is a very serious injury sustained? Work with your agent to be sure you have enough coverage for a lawsuit situation. (think umbrella policy here)
In addition to injuries caused by jumping, you probably don’t realize your trampoline can also be a flying hazard in a severe storm with high winds and cause damage to other people or property.
What are some steps you can take to make your trampoline as safe as possible?
Be sure you have a safety net around your trampoline.
Frequently inspect all aspects of the hardware, netting, etc. to be sure there is no wear and tear or broken items that need to be replaced.
ALWAYS have adults supervising the jumping!
Be the mean neighbor and don’t allow anyone that doesn’t reside in your household on the trampoline.
Lastly, we have talked about dog bites and your home owner’s insurance before, but it bears repeating. According to Kids-n-K9s, most dog bites occur with a known dog, in a familiar place. Their website also shares these statistics:
Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with a familiar dog. (CDC)
The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim’s family or a friend. (CDC)
80% of dog bites happen at home (Kahn et al (2004) MIller and Howell (2007)
How can you keep everyone happy and healthy? If you have guests, keep your dog put away in a safe place where there is no interaction with others. When kids are running around and having fun, they are not paying attention to how their actions can affect your family pet. Many times kids misread the dog’s body language and the dog lashes out due to stress or overstimulation.
I truly hope you have a wonderful summer! Take the few extra minutes to provide a safe environment at your home and keep the fun in summer and the injuries at bay!
Before the cold and miserable weather arrives in Kentucky this weekend, it’s a good idea to winterize your home and your vehicles. These tips will help you avoid claims on your insurance policy and keep your claim-free discounts intact!
Here are some tips for your home:
Check the gutters. It seems like gutters are on every single “home maintenance tips” list, and there is a good reason for this fact. Gutters are one of the main drivers of the rainwater away from your home. Water can do lots of damage, so be sure there aren’t any leaves or other debris in your gutters that will impede water flow. Make sure they are affixed to the home correctly and don’t have any gaps in the metal. Be sure they are attached to the downspouts correctly too.
Have your furnace/heating system inspected to be sure it is in proper working order. Change the filter(s).
If you have a chimney, have it cleaned and inspected.
Check for drafts around your windows and doors and replace weatherstripping if needed.
Be sure you have have snow-removal supplies, just in case.
Trim your trees. Remove branches that could hit your car or home if they broke off during a winter storm. If it’s a big job, hire a licensed professional.
Disconnect your garden hose, including the extra connector piece.
Here are some tips for your vehicles:
Be sure your tires are ready for winter. Replace ones that have worn treads. Maintain the correct tire pressure for the lower temperatures.
Pack a winter safety kit for your trunk.
Replace the wiper blades and fluid.
CHECK THE BATTERY!
Be sure all fluids are topped off.
Check belts and hoses.
Here are a few links for more information from the experts.
It’s common knowledge that insurance rates fluctuate from year to year. If you plan on looking for a new insurance policy, here are a few things to consider:
Agent Vs. Direct For many years, the only way to get an insurance policy was through a licensed agent, often face to face. With the advent of the internet, consumers can now easily get an insurance policy without even talking to an agent. Many companies offer streamlined online applications and cell phone apps. While these may be convenient, dealing directly with a local agent can have advantages.
The convenience of no face to face interaction may be appealing, but during billing disputes, claims, or vehicle changes, having direct access to a licensed insurance advisor often has its own benefits. At Castle insurance, your phone call will always be answered by a caring insurance professional.
Rate comparison tools If you have ever searched for insurance on Google, chances are your Facebook feed was soon filled with services that let you shop several companies rates, all at once.
While this sounds like a novel concept, be wary of what you are actually signing up for. You may decide to buy a policy from one of those ads you were served, only to see your rates drastically change when you are directed to the company’s website. This is known as a “bait and switch” and can often lead to you overpaying for insurance or having your coverage drastically reduced.
Working with a local independent agent will provide a wide variety of quotes, and Recommendations from your agent will help you pick the right policy for your needs.
Buying a new house? Buying a new house can be a long, exciting and often stressful process. Dealing with a local real estate agent will likely make the process easier for you. But should you trust your realtor’s advice when it comes to insurance? While they can certainly put you in contact with a licensed insurance agent, be sure you do your own research and be aware of what type of policy you are buying.
Realtors are trusted advisors and their advice should be considered, but when it comes to insurance, make sure you have a policy that addresses your concerns and offers the right protection long after your purchase.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Have you ever heard your grandparents say that?
People often see ads for insurance that are hundreds, if not thousands of dollars cheaper a year than their current premiums. As a savvy consumer, you have to question this!
Ask yourself a few questions.
Are there any companies out there that can offer a policy for thousands less than everyone else?
What am I actually paying for?
Is there an option that isn’t being included that leaves me vulnerable in the case of a claim?
Is this pricing for high liability limits that give me more legal and financial protection or just what is required by the state? State minimum coverage will allow you to legally drive here in Kentucky, but you won’t see me get behind the wheel with that type of coverage! The small difference in cost between minimum requirements and a more robust limit might surprise you. Be sure you are protecting yourself and your family with the highest limits you can afford.
Bundling is Smart Be a smart consumer and check multiple companies. Having your Home and Auto insurance managed by the same agent is convenient and can lead to significant discounts on all your insurance policies.
Are you a number or family member? There are plenty of insurance companies that tell you their products are far superior to anything else, and far cheaper too. The best way to ensure your assets are properly protected and you pay a competitive rate is to deal directly with an independent insurance agent or broker. For a large company, you may just be another policy number, but for a local agency like Castle Insurance, you are part of the family.
Please contact us today if you are concerned about your coverage, unhappy with the way a claim was handled, or just want a more competitive quote.
Here are five projects that can increase the curb appeal of your home and help you avoid filing an insurance claim in 2020.
Spring is finally here in Kentucky! It was a mild winter, and those who are stuck at home and looking for spring maintenance projects should consider some of the following:
In no particular order, these are my top five projects for homeowners for this spring.
1. Vinyl Siding Maintenance
If your house has vinyl siding you might see a layer of dirt or film that can accumulate over the winter season. If you own a power washer, this is a quick afternoon project. If you don’t own a power washer, a garden hose with a sprayer attachment will do fine. Use these ingredients to make a solution that will help remove mold and residue from your siding.
⅓ Cup of powdered laundry detergent
⅔ Cup of Household cleaner
1 Quart of Bleach
1 Gallon Water
While protecting your hands and face, apply this to your siding with a course brush and remove with a garden hose. This will prolong the lifespan of your siding and increase the curb appeal as well.
2. Ensure your deck railing is secure and safe
Decks are a great feature on any house! But before you grill out with your family, ensure your railings are still sturdy. One of the most common homeowner liability claims arise from someone leaning on a railing that has not been properly maintained or installed, often leading to a nasty fall. A quick check to ensure that your railings can withstand the weight of an adult leaning on them is the best way to avoid a fall.
3. Roof Upkeep
If you live in a wooded area, you know that branches, leaves, and debris can accumulate on your roof after a windy fall and winter. Removing them from your roof will prolong the lifespan of your shingles and help to avoid a costly water damage claim this summer. While you’re at it, make sure your gutters are clear as well. Before you do either one of these projects, ensure you are comfortable climbing on a ladder. When you do decide to do the work, make sure you place your ladder on a flat, stable surface and do not exceed the manufacturer’s recommended height. If you cannot reach your roof, consider hiring a professional. Don’t risk having to place a disability claim trying to avoid a homeowners claim. SAFETY FIRST!
4. Sidewalk and Driveway maintenance
If you live in a city or subdivision, you should make sure the sidewalks around your property are free of debris. While you do not own the sidewalk, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the sidewalk. If any tree limbs or debris from your household on the sidewalk causes someone to trip and injure themselves you are certainly liable. Check with your local officials; most municipalities will designate a pickup day in the spring for yard waste. A quick afternoon cleaning up the sidewalks surrounding your property will greatly increase the curb appeal of your property and ensure you are not exposing yourself to a costly personal injury claim.
5. Have a Car, Boat or vehicle on your property you no longer are using?
Most of us guys have been there, “Yes honey, I am going to fix that car”.
If you have a project car on your property that you know you’ll never get around to fixing, you should consider donating or selling it. Having a nonfunctional vehicle on your property is considered an incidental exposure from an insurance standpoint, and probably an eyesore to your neighbors. There are several charities that you can donate your car to, and most of them will remove it from your property for free, allowing you to claim a tax deduction in exchange. If you want to go the route of selling, check your local Buy/Sell/Trade page on Facebook. There are often individuals who will pay you the “Scrap” value of your car. While this may only be a few hundred dollars, they also will remove it from your property.
Whatever your spring cleaning projects are, remember to be safe! If you have any questions about what your homeowners insurance covers or will not cover, contact Castle Insurance today!
