When Severe Weather Strikes:
Be Prepared, Stay Protected! Summer brings an abundance of warm sunny days, but with it comes the potential for severe weather. Being prepared means knowing what actions to take to protect yourself, your family and your property. These important tips will help you stay protected!
Before the Storm - Examine your homeowner's or renter's policy, as well as your auto policy to make sure you have sufficient coverage as well as deductibles at a level you are comfortable with. Compile a detailed written inventory of your home and belongings and, if possible, supplement your inventory with a videotape or photographs. Having a complete and detailed inventory will assist in settling claims.
During the Storm - If you are at home or in a building and threatening weather approaches, seek shelter in the basement or interior hall. Stay away from windows. If you are outdoors, seek shelter immediately. If you cannot locate immediate underground shelter, lie flat in a low lying ditch. Do not seek shelter under trees or under an overpass or bridge.
After the Storm - Closely inspect property and autos for damage and losses. Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report any damage. Beware of home repair rip-offs. Don't pay the entire cost of repairs up-front, and try to do business only with local, established contractors. Contact your local Better Business Bureau or the Ohio Attorney General's Office to see if the company has a clean record. |
Planning A Vacation?
Be A Privacy-Smart Traveler
Whether your travel plans are big or small, keep in mind that your risk of exposure to identity theft may increase when travelling. A few minutes spent planning before you go can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Here are some tips from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse to help keep your personal information safe:
Clean out your wallet before you travel. Remove unnecessary credit cards or documents that could compromise your identity if lost or stolen.
It's best to carry two credit cards - but not more - when you travel. If one of your cards inadvertently becomes inactive due to suspected fraud or the magnetic strip becomes damaged, you will have a back up.
Photocopy or make a list of the remaining contents of your wallet. Keep it in a secure location or with a trusted individual at home whom you can contact in case your wallet is lost or stolen.
Do not leave your wallet or documents containing personal information in your hotel room unattended. Use a hotel safe when available.
If you are traveling with your laptop, be sure to only use Wi-Fi hotspots that are secure and encrypted. Never access any sensitive information from a public computer.
Should you become a victim of identity theft, you must act quickly and assertively to minimize the damage. Call your credit card companies, bank and the credit bureaus immediately. Be sure to follow up in writing.
Did you know that some homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for identity theft? Contact your agent to see if you are protected under your current policy. |
|
Teen Driving Contracts  Teen drivers may not always fully recognize the responsibilities that come with the privilege of getting a driver's license. Drawing up a driving contract before turning over the keys to your teen is a great way to summarize your expectations. This contract should clearly spell out the family driving rules, as well as consequences for breaking them. The contract should be reviewed, discussed and signed by both parents and the teen driver. A good teen driving contract should address the following topics: safe driving habits, car care and car clutter, curfew, seat belt use, cell phone and texting, who pays for gas, insurance and damages, as well as the consequences should any of the rules be broken. You can search for sample teen driving contracts online. Take a moment to look at a few, and then cut and paste the elements you like to create a contract that will work best for your family. Continue to talk to your teen about safe driving habits. Express your concern for his/her safety and well being. Check with your insurance company to confirm that your teen driver has the best available coverage. Most importantly of all, teach by example through your own safe driving habits. |
|
Healthcare Reform Update  With the recent enactment of the Affordable Health Care Act, significant changes to the health care and health insurance industries will be implemented over the course of the next several years. The passing of this law raised many questions and uncertainties. Each quarter in The Brooker Bulletin, we will answer a question relating to healthcare reform to help you understand the various changes brought on by the new legislation. QUESTION: Can my child who recently graduated from college remain on my health insurance plan? ANSWER: The Affordable Health Care Act permits young adults to stay on their parents' healthcare plan until age 26. Originally scheduled for implementation in September 2010, most major carriers have agreed to immediate implementation. Contact your health insurance plan administrator for more information. |
|
Now You Can Follow
BROOKER INSURANCE AGENCY
 |
The Brooker Bulletin
