If you read last month's newsletter, it wouldn't surprise you to learn that I take an interest in the Boston Marathon - although perhaps not for the reasons you're thinking of. While it's true that I'm enjoying my pursuit into running, the reason the Marathon always hits me really has nothing to do with the sport, and everything to do with a beautiful four-year-old, my daughter, Jasmine.

On January 15th of the year 2000, my sweet girl suffered third degree burns over 90% of her body. You can read about her courage here. To make a long and painful - although powerful - story short, in spite of what Doctors and modern medicine predicted, Jasmine not only survived her injuries, she was released from the hospital in record time... nearly three months to the day after the fire. It also happened to be the same day of the Boston Marathon.

It seemed so appropriate to me that she would be headed home on the day of an event that so many train their whole lives for. A test of such endurance and strength. After her accident, this child of mine, even at such a tender age, dug in her heels and got to work with a determination that I've not really seen in anyone before, or since. She forced herself to eat when she didn't feel like it so feeding tubes could be removed. She spent countless hours enduring - without complaint - intense physical therapy that had her mother sobbing. In the midst of her own suffering, she reached out to others who were hurting, always offering a smile or a word of encouragement. She ran a race of her own, and she did it with grace and style and an attitude that simply blew me away. She never took her eyes off the goal, and she's still just focused today (see the beautiful 16-year-old version below). :)

So much of life comes down to that, doesn't it? Fixing our eyes on the goal and doing whatever it takes to reach it? You've persevered to create the life you live; managing risk is just another part ensuring victory. We're glad you've chosen us to help protect what's important to you.

Going the distance with you,

Heather Clement

Mason & Mason Insurance 

An insurance adjuster is responsible for inspecting damage to a home following a claim. These individuals are also responsible for offering a specific sum of money that is to be used by the policyholder for necessary repairs. As a general rule, the first check received from the insurance company is meant as an advance toward the total amount of the settlement. It's important to remember that it's not the final payment. Separate checks are issued for each category of damage. Checks to cover living expenses are usually also sent separately. Individuals who are offered a settlement amount on the spot might choose to accept the money. If further damage is identified later, it's possible to reopen the claim to request more money. Keep in mind that most policies require all claims to be filed within one year of the disaster's occurrence. It's best to check with one of our agents to learn about rules pertaining to individual state insurance departments.

 

People who have mortgages on their homes will receive a check for repairs that is payable to them and their lenders. This is because lenders usually require that their names be placed on the Homeowners policy, which means they'll also be named on any checks for claims. Since the lender has a vested interest in the property for as long as it's under a mortgage, they have equal rights to the checks issued by Homeowners insurance companies. When a lender's name is on the check, the document must be...

  

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State minimum insurance requirements are minimal. Most states demand less than $100,000 for bodily injuries and $50,000 for property damage. Some states require only $10,000 for property damage coverage.

 

How many cars valued at greater than $10,000 travel the highways? How many trucks carrying cargo are worth more than $10,000? $50,000? $100,000?

 

According to the 2010 census, the median family net worth exceeded $200,000. That amount includes houses, cars, savings, retirement funds, cash in the bank, college savings, and furniture and personal effects. Half the families are worth more, half have assets less than $200,000; all of it is hard earned.

 

If the family is underinsured for liability, their net worth is vulnerable to be seized in a lawsuit based on injuries or property damage caused by any family member driving a vehicle. The car owner and the car driver become parties to the suit.

 

Bodily injuries sustained in car wrecks devastate lives. People unable to work, the high cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation expenses, and the pain and suffering can only be compensated with money. The money comes from the insurance company or the liable party's personal wealth.

Not convinced you need higher limits? Not all liabilities are released in bankruptcy. Many states have specific legislation disallowing

  

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