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Keep it in
sight, especially when travelling. It may be difficult with heightened
security, but try to hold onto it, or request that it be checked
in front of you.
Do not leave
personal laptops on your desk or easily accessible at work. We'd
all like to believe our coworkers are honest, but 1000's of laptops
disappear at work each year.
Engrave your
name on the case, it is harder to fence
Set a system password that prompts before loading the operating
system. |
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After a wet spring and summer, there could be a rising concern about
mold and mold claims. From an insurance perspective, this is not
positive news. With the recent rise in mold claims in areas like
Florida and Texas, most insurance companies are removing stand-alone
mold coverage, and restricting the amount to be paid under a covered
claim to a $10,000 maximum for mold damage. What
are your choices? You can "buy Back" some of the coverage
at a cost (about a 35% premium increase for 10% of your property
value). But, your best defense is to protect yourself against
mold.
Tips:
• Seal cracks in basement walls and foundations.
• Make sure your home is not air-tight and is well-ventilated.
If you are going to be away for an extended period, you may want
to arrange for someone to come in and open up the house periodically.
• Fix plumbing leaks immediately and clean up affected area
thoroughly, mold can develop within 24-48 hours.
• Use a dehumudifier.
• Keep the exterior of your home painted, the siding and
roof clean of organic growth (especially in a shaded area). A
seasonal powerwash can do the trick.
If
you do get mold, make sure you hire an experienced remediator,
and ask for references. If mold isn't cleaned up properly it will
keep coming Back. |
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 Farmer's
Almanac is predicting another early snowy winter like this past
one. Prepare now by trimming Back limbs that overhang your home
and power lines.
If you plan
to fly off to sunnier climes for the winter, please remember to
take precautions so your pipes won't freeze. Keep the thermostat
at 55 degrees or shut off the water for the winter. Burst pipes
and water damage are the most common and expensive winter claims. |
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While the value of real estate in Fairfield County, and especially
Greenwich, is rising, so is the cost to rebuild or replace
your home. Construction costs in Greenwich have risen over
10% in the last 12 months, and nearly 25% in the last 2 years.
Chances are, if you bought your home as little as 3 years
ago, the replacement cost on your homeowners policy  has
not kept pace with the changes.
In addition,
with mortgage interest rates staying low, many people have
taken advantage of the savings and put some money into improving
or renovating their homes. If you have made recent changes,
your home may be underinsured. Now is the time to check with
your agent and ensure your coverage is up to date.
The
best advice is: keep all receipts for improvements to the home,
and make sure that the contractors you hire are insured and licensed.
Notify your agent when you are having major work done so that
an appraisal can be arranged when it is complete. |
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While most people agree that using a cell phone while driving is
distracting... people have also been spotted reading novels, eating
a full-course meal, and surfing the 'net on their laptops. Be the
safe one out there. Drive defensively and steer clear of those distracted
drivers. |
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Sports utility vehicles and light trucks are some of the personal
insurance industry's biggest risks. Up to now premiums haven't reflected
this, and cars are sharing the cost burden. When underwriting begins
to catch up with the SUV trend, be prepared to see some expensive
insurance changes for SUV owners. |
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Volume
1/ Fall 2003 / Shepard on Insurance is
a publication of Shepard Insurance Group
1700 East Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 Phone: 203.637.6655 Fax:
203.637.6700
www.shepardinsgrp.com
Contact us:
ShepardonInsurance
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