Tips to Winterize Your Toys

A critical issue for boat and RV owners is proper weatherization prior to storage.  If done properly, it can save you a lot of money in the long run.  Taking protective measures now will assure that your boat and RV will be ready to get back on the water or the road. There is nothing worse than moving your boat or RV out of storage and having a problem just as you are ready to use it.

Columbia River Insurance Services recommends you maintain insurance year round on your RV and boat. Damage such as water damage, roof collapse and other weather related issues, can occur to your boat or RV while in storage.

Weatherization Tips:

• Check owner's manual for any unique issues and weatherization
• Fill gas tank and add a stabilizer to help reduce condensation
• Change oil and filter
• Inspect and repair all electrical wiring and connections that may have been damaged
• Clean out the refrigerator
• Remove your keys, update your contact information at the storage facility, and have someone check on your vehicle periodically
• Boats- Pressure wash hull, remove drain plug so rain water can escape, add antifreeze to the engine's cooling system, cover boat with a high quality breathable cover, and place the trailer on stands or blocks so the wheels are supported off the ground. Be sure to raise the bow higher than the stern to promote draining of rainwater or snow.
• RV- Drain and Flush all holding tanks of fresh, gray, black, and hot water, place antifreeze in water lines. Check with owner's manual for the recommended antifreeze and cover tires to prevent damage from UV rays. 

Cyber Liability and Identity Theft

According to a recent article in the Insurance Journal, more than 40 states now have enforcing privacy and security breach notification laws. 

Recent state laws require companies that have experienced a security breach to notify all customers that could be affected by the breach that their information has been compromised, even if the information hasn't been used. In most cases, the notification also requires an option of one year credit monitoring services and a new card or account number for customer. Costs can be as much as $250 per individual breach.

Most business insurance policies do not cover computer fraud by a third party or the liability arising out of a cyber-attack. The good news is cost effective solutions are available. Make sure your crime policy has electronic crime and fraud coverage with appropriate limits. Cyber liability insurance can be added to your program to cover the costs associated with customer notification and recovery of hacked data.

If you store data, including private information on computers; use e-mail; generate revenue online; or use your computer to control production, manufacturing, or inventory, your company is at risk! In short, any business not making a serious effort to protect personal private information is seriously out of step with the emerging landscape of privacy law.Contact me today I will be happy to provide you with a quote. 

Health Care Reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or Healthcare Reform will have an impact on all employers in California. With the election over it is almost a forgone conclusion that the Act will be implemented over the number of months. There are some benefits for individuals and business with 100 or fewer employees.

If you can't afford or can't qualify for insurance, you'll have new options starting in 2014. The Act sets up health insurance exchanges starting in 2014.  The exchange will offer small businesses a wide choice of plans that meet standards for coverage and will provide information to small businesses and their employees to help them make educated choices about the policies they are purchasing.

If you're struggling financially - as many self-employed do - you may qualify for a government subsidy or Medicaid. Some of the downsides are; there are no caps on health insurance premiums, so expect some rate increases. If you have more than 50 employees, you'll have to provide coverage or pay a fine beginning 2014. As of 2013, there'll be new taxes on some types of income typically received by successful small business owners.

Here are a few reminders of what is coming in 2013 and beyond

Flex Spending

Effective 2013 a statutory cap of $2,500 will be placed on the amount of funds an employee can save in a Flexible Spending Account.

Pre Existing Conditions

Effective 2014 Employer's group health plans will be required to eliminate the pre-existing condition exclusions. The plan will also have to eliminate annual limits on essential benefits coverage for adults. Employers will be required to eliminate waiting periods beyond 90 days when enrolling employees in a group health plan.

Effective March 1, 2013, employers will be required to give a notice to their employees that they may be eligible to participate in one of the state-based health-insurance exchanges.

Now more than ever businesses large and small need the advice of an insurance healthcare professional.