 `Tis the Season
to Protect Your Gifts
Do you need valuables insurance?
`Tis the season for gift giving and receiving. Soon after you finish unwrapping the gifts, set aside some time to take stock in what you own. Most people protect their possessions through their homeowners or renters insurance, but that coverage might be limited, so be sure to check your insurance policy limits and restrictions.
Depending on the policy, homeowners insurance may cover personal property for actual cash value (original cost less depreciation) and not replacement cost. Most homeowners policies also put a dollar amount cap on certain categories of property. So your new diamond earrings may, in combination with the jewelry you already own, push the total value of your jewelry beyond your coverage limits under your existing policies.
To provide additional amounts of coverage and to insure against additional risks (including breakage and accidental damage), consider purchasing valuables coverage. Sold as an add-on to a homeowners or renters policy, this coverage is suitable for expensive items such as jewelry, electronics, art, antiques, furs, etc.
Keeping a written inventory of what you own is invaluable. Record the cost, date/purchase, and description of your possessions and keep it in a secure place - and keep an extra copy of your inventory with someone outside your home (your agent or a friend/relative). It's much easier and faster to get claim payments when you can document what you've lost. Some insurers offer inventory spreadsheets for you to complete -- check with your agent to see if your insurer provides an inventory format you can use.
Your agent can guide you as to which type of coverage you need for what you own. The holiday season is a good time to ask him or her about what you own and how to best insure it against loss.
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Is Your GPS Covered By Your Auto Policy?
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are now seen on the dashboards or windshields of the majority of vehicles driven in this country. If you depend on your GPS to get you to the places you need to be, you should check with your insurance agent to request that your auto insurance policy be endorsed to cover the system. Failure to make this request will likely result in no coverage for the system after a loss.
Most personal auto policies strictly limit or automatically exclude coverage for GPS and other electronic devices in your car that are not used to operate the vehicle.
Losing the ability to use your vehicle's GPS system because it is damaged in an accident or stolen is frustrating and expensive. Call us today to see how much coverage your current auto policy will offer towards replacement and what you can do to close this gap if necessary.
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Health Care Reform Update
With the enactment of the Affordable Health Care Act, significant changes to the health care and health insurance industries will be implemented over the next several years.
Each quarter in The Brooker Bulletin, we'll answer a question relating to health care reform to help you understand the various changes brought on by the new legislation.
* * * * * * *QUESTION: It seems that health care laws and regulations are changing faster than what I can keep up with. Where can I turn for up-to-date information about the changes to health care and health insurance? ANSWER: The official U.S.Government site for health care reform can be found at www.healthcare.gov. This site provides a clearing house of information about health care reform, insurance options, prevention and wellness initiatives, and a timeline for implementation of future regulations under the Act. The Brooker Bulletin will also continue to bring you timely updates on health care reform and the effect it will have on you and your family. Should you have any questions about your health insurance or questions about health care reform in general, our Health Benefits department is your best resource for answers to your questions. Please contact Jamie Debenham, Vice President - Employee Benefits, or Karen Potoczak, Health Benefits Manager, at (440) 238-5454. Jamie and Karen each have more than 20 years experience in the health insurance industry and are always available to help you with your questions and concerns.
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Brooker Insurance Agency is a Proud Supporter
of the "Toys For Tots" Annual Campaign Thank you to everyone who stopped by The Brooker Building with toy donations for "Toys For Tots". Your generous donations will help brighten the holidays for many children right here in our community. Your generosity and giving spirit are genuinely appreciated! Thank you and best wishes for a very Merry Christmas!
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The Brooker Bulletin
