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!
