http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/blog/ Latest Blogs http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-5/blog/pet-insurance/ Pet Insurance Customers Save up to 10%
Get up to 10% lifetime discount on the #1 customer-rated pet insurance plan! ...]]> Pet Insurance Customers Save up to 10%
Get up to 10% lifetime discount on the #1 customer-rated pet insurance plan! Healthy Paws covers everything that matters including injuries, illnesses, genetic conditions, and emergency care. Start your quote in just seconds!
http://www.healthypawspetinsurance.com/pethealth/smhins.aspx
Or just click on the "paw" in the right hand corner to start your quote today!!]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-5/blog/pet-insurance/ Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:46:18 +0000 Monica Dawson http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/congratulations-class-of-2013-now-it-8217s-time-to-graduate-to-your-own-ins/
While every individual has unique needs, here are a few insurance coverage options that all college grads should consider and evaluate their need for:

Auto insurance - A shiny new car, whether owned or leased, holds appeal for newly employed college grads. Auto insurance helps cope with the expenses of accidents, vandalism or theft. A lender or leasing company that finances the vehicle will require auto insurance. Car accidents can create large liabilities for a driver, so the liability portion of auto coverage helps protect the bank account. Plus, auto insurance covers many legal expenses if a driver is sued. If a graduate who already owns a car is moving, where they keep and register the car, especially from one state to another, can impact coverage. It’s important to let us know about these moves to make sure your current coverage will apply or if you need a new policy.

Homeowners or renters insurance - College grads starting out may not own a home yet, but may rent an apartment or a house. To make sure your possessions are protected renters insurance offers comprehensive coverage whether at home or traveling. Liability insurance included in renters and homeowners coverage also helps protect against the risk of being sued. There usually are limitations on renters coverage within a group house—a typical post-graduate arrangement—so it is important to understand the details of a policy.

Umbrella policy - An umbrella policy can provide another level of protection. For example, if you’re renting an apartment and accidentally start a cooking fire that burns down the building and destroys the personal property of other residents, the coverage limit on your renters policy may not be enough to cover the damage, so having an umbrella policy could provide you with additional coverage.

Health insurance - Under the new federal health care law, children can remain on their parent’s health insurance coverage until age 26. With unemployment and under-employment high among those in their early twenties, this can provide many recent grads with health insurance until they can get it through their employer or an individual policy. Individual policies can be pricey and differ significantly in coverage, so call us to talk about what makes the most sense for your situation.

Life insurance - New grads may find a job with an employer that offers group term life insurance coverage. However, those with children may find it worthwhile to buy additional term life insurance or permanent life insurance, which builds cash value over time.

Disability insurance - This is a vital but often-overlooked insurance coverage. It provides income when a person is injured or disabled, whether on the job or off. We can calculate the right amount of coverage to help a person live while recovering.

As a new college grad you may want to lean financially on parents’ insurance coverage as long as possible. While that may make sense depending on your circumstances, it’s not always viable. For instance, auto insurance companies will require an owner or lessee of a car to carry their own coverage. Parents of new graduates should also take this time to review their insurance portfolios, as there may be opportunities to reduce their premiums if a child moves into their own place, or gets their own car.

Shepard Maxwell & Hale a Trusted Choice insurance agent can help new grads and their families navigate these waters, to provide sensible coverage that won’t break the bank. Best of luck, Class of 2013!

Article published by http://http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/congratulations-class-of-2013-insurance-for-new-graduates.aspx]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/congratulations-class-of-2013-now-it-8217s-time-to-graduate-to-your-own-ins/ Sat, 04 May 2013 13:12:33 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/fry-the-turkey-not-the-house/
Yet even as you are salivating, your Trusted Choice®...]]>
Yet even as you are salivating, your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent hastens to caution you. The old joke that men love cooking only if it involves flames and danger is not so funny after an accident. Every year too many folks are harmed and homes are burned due to the combination of large pots of hot oil and big turkeys. Your homeowners insurance may respond for the fire damages and your health insurance for the emergency room visit, but is that really the new Thanksgiving tradition you had in mind?

Fried turkey can be a great alternative to traditional oven-roasted fare, but be certain to take into account the much higher risk factors. Use a fryer designed specifically for turkeys, rather than jury-rigging other cooking equipment. Once you have the proper fryer, follow a few tips from the experts that can make the difference between taste sensation and flaming disaster:

1.Turkey deep fryers should always be placed outdoors, on a flat, preferably concrete surface located a safe distance away from anything combustible. Never use a turkey fryer in the garage, on a wooden deck, or anywhere near the house.
2.Never leave the fryer unattended. Even after you are finished cooking, do not let pets or children near the unit. The oil in the fryer remains extremely hot for hours after cooking.
3.Keep a fire extinguisher handy. The best is a Class K wet chemical fire extinguisher. If fire erupts, do not throw water on it. Water cannot extinguish a grease fire and will cause the oil to spatter violently. Use common sense. If the fire is small, use the extinguisher, but dial 911 for emergency assistance before the blaze becomes unmanageable.
4.Use oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or canola.
5.Do not overfill the turkey fryer. If oil spills over?because the turkey is too large or the oil level is too high?flames can engulf the unit and endanger bystanders. Before frying, conduct this test: Put the unseasoned turkey into an empty fryer. Then fill the fryer with water until the turkey is fully submerged. If the turkey fits comfortably, mark the water level. When preparing to cook, dry the fryer thoroughly. Then fill it with oil to an inch shy of your level mark to allow for expansion of the oil as it heats.
6.Thaw the turkey completely and dry it with paper towels. Injected marinades are fine, but season the turkey skin with a dry rub. Excess water in a partially frozen or wet turkey will cause the pot to bubble over, resulting in a fire hazard. The National Turkey Federation recommends 24 hours of thawing for every five pounds of bird before cooking in a turkey fryer.
7.Most turkey fryers do not come with a thermostat, and if left unattended may overheat, resulting in combustion. Turkey fryer thermometers and other accessories are available.
8.Use heavy oven mitts or well-insulated potholders. The lid, handles, and sides of the cooking pot become very hot, posing a severe burn threat. Protective eyewear is also recommended.

Your Trusted Choice agent always stands ready to offer advice and a comprehensive review of your current insurance coverage and needs. But when it comes to safety, remember: The best claim is the one you never have to make. Whether you’re tending a deep fryer or waiting on the timer to go off on your oven, be safe this Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Sources:

http://www.grillsdirect.com/turkey-fryers/turkeyfryersafetyarticle.cfm

http://www.grillsdirect.com/turkey-fryers/122+127.cfm#N%3D122+127%26Ns%3DPreferred%26view%3D24%26Nao%3D25%26display%3Dgrid_view

http://www.trustedchoice.com/Content/Articles/fry-the-turkey-not-the-house.aspx]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/fry-the-turkey-not-the-house/ Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:33:20 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/hurricane-sandy-emergency-claim-numbers/ We are ready to take your claim information from Storm Sandy, but wanted to also pass along some carrier Catastrophe Claim information and what you ne...
After your loss call us or the carrier immediately to report the damages, protect your property as much as possible from additional damage (tarp the damaged roof, turn off or cap the leaking plumbing, etc.), and take photos and preserve the evidence of the damage. Don't start throwing things away until your carrier/adjustor has completed their inspections. You'll also need to document the value of what you lost.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Central (See NYCM)

Adirondack (See Tower Insurance)

Dryden Mutual
Report a claim 1-800-782-0154 (during office hours) or 1-800-556-5802 (nights & weekends) or claims@drydenmutual.com

Encompass
Report a claim on-line or call Catastrophe Claim Center 1-800-340-3016

Erie Insurance
Report a claim online or call 1-800-367-3743 (evenings & weekends)
NY Branch office (Rochester) 1-800-333-0823

Erie & Niagara
Report a claim 1-716-632-5433 (M-F 8:15 AM- 4:30 PM) or by email claims@enia.com

Hanover Insurance Group
Report a claim online or call 1-800-628-0250

The Hartford
Report a claim on-line or call -800-243-5860

Liberty Mutual
Report a claim on-line or call 1-800-2CLAIMS (1-800-225-2467)

Main Street America Group
Report a claim online or call 1-877-4CLAIMS (1-877-425-2467)

NGM Insurance Company (The Main Street America Group)
Report a claim by phone: (877) 4CLAIMS (877-425-2467); online: www.msagroup.com; e-mail: FNOL@msagroup.com; fax: (877) 282-3844

NYCM
Report a claim online or call 1-888-234-6926
See additional information on company website

OneBeacon Insurance Group
Report a claim 1-877-248-3455
See additional information on company website.

Peerless Insurance
Report a claim 1-800-522-7152

Philadelphia Insurance
Report a claim online or Catastrophe Call Center (24/7) 1-800-765-9749 (Option 3)

Preferred Mutual
Report a claim online or call 1-800-333-7642

Progressive
Report a claim online or call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)

Safeco
Report a claim 1-800-332-3226

Tower Group
First report phone line 1-888-856-5522
First report fax 1-888-291-6262
First report email reportaloss@twrgrp.com

Travelers
Report a claim online or call:
Personal insurance 1-800-CLAIM33 (1-800-252-4633)
Business Insurance 1-800-238-6225

Utica National
Report a claim (24/7) 1-800-216-1420]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/hurricane-sandy-emergency-claim-numbers/ Tue, 30 Oct 2012 02:18:07 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/does-my-insurance-coverage-change-if-my-building-is-vacant/ In the tough economy more and more commercial buildings are sitting vacant more than 30 consecutive days. Your current insurance policy does have cov...
Policy Vacancy Definition
• Tenant – unit or suites does not contain enough business personal property to conduct customary operations.
• Building Owner or General Lessee – building is vacant unless at least 31% of the entire building’s total square footage is rented and/or used to conduct customary operations.
• Buildings under renovation are not considered vacant

No Coverage for six Causes of Loss
• Vandalism
• Sprinkler leakage
• Building glass breakage
• Water damage
• Theft
• Attempted theft

Loss Payment reduced by 15% for all other covered causes of loss

Please call us to discuss your Commercial Building. We can help you properly insure your exposure.]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/does-my-insurance-coverage-change-if-my-building-is-vacant/ Mon, 15 Oct 2012 13:59:07 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-12/blog/newly-licensed-drivers/
Shepard, Maxwell & Hale can help your newly licensed driver understand some of the risks that they f...]]>
Shepard, Maxwell & Hale can help your newly licensed driver understand some of the risks that they face on the road.

We have a ten minute video available in our Hamlin and Batavia offices that we will lend out for you and your inexperienced driver to watch. We also have young driver contracts for your new driver to sign that is a promise to drive safe and to abide by your rules. This can be found on our website at www.smhins.com under resourses, documents or we would be happy to email it to you.

There is also a program that is available in Monroe County in NY that is a collaborative effort between parents and police to curtail illegal and dangerous activities often associated with inexperienced drivers between the ages of 16 and 21. This program is called “Sheriff’s Telling Our Parents and Promoting Educated Drivers” also known as the S.T.O.P.P.E.D. Program. The purpose is to instill responsibility in young drivers through identification. If, for any reason, the vehicle that you voluntarily register with the Sheriff’s Office is stopped by the police when operated by a driver under the age of 21, the Deputy will complete a notification card providing the following information:

- Time and location of the stop
- Driver’s name and number of passengers
- Reason for the stop
- Any traffic tickets issued

To obtain more information about this program, go to Monroe County Sheriff’s website at http://www.monroecounty.gov/sheriff-stopped.

Finally, I would like to end with asking you to lead by example and to let young drivers know it is NOT safe to text and drive or drink and drive.


http://www.monroecounty.gov/sheriff-stopped]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-12/blog/newly-licensed-drivers/ Thu, 26 Jul 2012 16:11:45 +0000 Sherry Tomasino, ACSR http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-14/blog/is-your-home-based-business-covered/ Do you operate a business out of your home? Do clients come to your home or do you visit theirs? No matter how large or small your business is you h...
Coverage can be obtained for a variety of businesses such as the following but not limited to:

Picture framing
Retail Toy Sales, Avon, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Thirty-One, etc.
Scrapbooking
Tailoring
Website Designer
Crafter/Vendor
Wood Products
Writer/Authors
Computer Repair
Daycare
Hairdresser
Handyman
Roadside Stand]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-14/blog/is-your-home-based-business-covered/ Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:33:59 +0000 Rebecca Bessell http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/did-you-know-there-is-a-your-work-exclusion-in-cgl/ Commercial General Liability (CGL) Policy Exclusion (l) Damage To Your Work

Liability coverage is not a replacement for a warranty or a guaranty of ...]]> Commercial General Liability (CGL) Policy Exclusion (l) Damage To Your Work

Liability coverage is not a replacement for a warranty or a guaranty of the performance to be given to an insured’s client. It does not replace faulty work or products, but it does cover the Bodily Injury and Property Damage caused by the faulty work or products. The exclusion of faulty work often referred to as “your work”.

The Commercial General Liability Coverage Form CG 00 01 excludes coverage for property damage to the insured’s completed work.

Exclusion (l) Damage To Your Work states:

“Property damage” to “your work” arising out of it or any part of it and included in the “products-completed operations hazard”.

This exclusion does not apply if the damaged work or the work out of which the damage arises was performed on your behalf by a subcontractor.

Claim Scenario:

A contractor remodeled an upstairs bathroom for one of his clients. After the bathroom was complete and while the homeowner was away from the home, the connection to the bathtub came apart and flooded the house. Damage to the interior of the homes floors, baseboards, walls, contents, etc.

The claimant contacts the contractor, who calls, his insurance broker. An Adjuster is assigned, goes out and determines that there was a lot of water damage. It appears the contractors connection failed at the pipe, despite using the proper fittings, the connection just failed and came apart.

The claim is covered in full for the damages to the floors, baseboard, walls, contents, etc. as a result of the water damage. The contractor will not recover the pipe fitting or the labor.

Note~ Work is completed when:
• Contract work is complete
• Work at the site is completed
• Work has been put to intended use]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/did-you-know-there-is-a-your-work-exclusion-in-cgl/ Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:11:06 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-14/blog/water-damage-something-to-think-about/
Do you know if you have coverage if your basement flooded due to the backup of a sewer or drain? How much wo...]]>
Do you know if you have coverage if your basement flooded due to the backup of a sewer or drain? How much would your insurance company pay if any? The average water damage claim is over $5,500 and is the second most frequently filed insurance claim. If you happen to have a finished basement your damage could easily be higher than the average. If you live by a body of water your exposure could be even greater and you should consider purchasing flood insurance.

Other areas of water damage concerns are leaks from toilets or other household appliances. Your home is a major investment and damage to your floors, furniture or walls as well as the appliances can be very costly.

If you are unsure about your coverage please stop or call our office with your policy information and we would be happy to help you.]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-14/blog/water-damage-something-to-think-about/ Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:00:03 +0000 Rebecca Bessell http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-13/blog/learn-6-ways-to-pay-less-for-car-insurance/ 1) Breakdown Your Policy.
From roadside assistance, towing to comprehensive and collision, insurance
is made up of components, each with its own pric...]]> 1) Breakdown Your Policy.
From roadside assistance, towing to comprehensive and collision, insurance
is made up of components, each with its own price tag. Understand what
each part costs and what it covers. If you don't understand it, call your Local Independent Insurance Agent to break it down for you.
Understanding exactly what you're paying for can help you save. If you have an older vehicle you own outright, it might make sense to drop comprehensive and collision coverage. These components cover theft, vandalism and accident damage to your car when you're at fault. One rule of thumb: If the annual cost of comp and collision coverage exceeds 10% of the car's value, it might be worth dropping. But remember, if you don't have full coverage on your car, you won't have it when you rent one either. Which can mean paying outrageous rates at the rental car counter.

Remember: Don't be penny-wise and pound-foolish when it comes to liability coverage. That covers other people and their property if you cause an accident. This is critical.

2) Raise Your Deductible.
A deductible is simply what you're willing to pay before your insurance kicks in. For obvious reasons, the more you're willing to pay yourself, the lower your premium. The Insurance Information Institute says going from a $250 deductible to $500 can save 30%, and up to $1,000 can save more than 40%.

3) Ask About Discounts.
Many companies offer discounts for having anti-theft and safety devices, multiple policies with the same company, good driver, being over 50; the list goes on and on. Even setting up online auto-pay can help.

4) Take a NY Defensive Driving Course.
Provides a 10% reduction, for 3 years, of the motorist's liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums (for the Principal Operator of a covered automobile), If you qualify you can take this course ONLINE with no exams or tests of any kind. You can work at your own pace. In addition to the insurance reduction, this Defensive Driving Course also enables you to reduce up to four points on your driving record.

5) Maintain Good Credit.
Insurance companies use lots of seemingly irrelevant information to set their rates, including your credit score. They've found that people with bad credit are more likely to file claims. So work on your credit score if it's not where you want it. Estimate your credit score for free.

6) Drive Cars That Carry Lower Rates.
Some vehicles cost more to insure, and not just Porsches either. While a low insurance rate may be way down the list of factors you consider when buying a car you can find out the least and most expensive cars to insure.]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-13/blog/learn-6-ways-to-pay-less-for-car-insurance/ Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:58:36 +0000 Lusanne Simard, CISR http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/stop-making-excuses/
It’s Too Expensive – You...]]>
It’s Too Expensive – You don’t know unless you call us to discuss. There are many types of life insurance available, and there’s usually something that can fit into your budget.

I’m Single – Even if you are single with no children, you don’t want to burden the person who is going to oversee your estate.

I’m Healthy – That’s the best time to buy life insurance. Health can change quickly and life insurance prices are contingent on good health.

I’m Not Insurable – Due to a health condition you don't think you will qualify. You may be surprised to find out that you are insurable.

I’m Covered Through Work – Life Insurance through your work is a nice benefit, but it is usually limited. And it does not go with you if you change jobs.

As much as we’d all like to think that it will never happen to me, reality is that none of us know what the future holds. Over the past year, I have attended three funerals that varied in age. I wish we all had a crystal ball to prepare us and our families, but we don’t. If you died tomorrow can your family maintain their lifestyle without your income? Can your children go to college? Your family’s future is too important to leave to chance. Life Insurance is not mandatory and it is not for the person who is insured, it is for the family or the people you leave behind. There are so many options that there is no excuse to protect the people you love.]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/stop-making-excuses/ Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:02:33 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-13/blog/good-news/ Lusanne]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-13/blog/good-news/ Mon, 05 Mar 2012 21:15:54 +0000 Lusanne Simard, CISR http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/why-you-need-a-personal-umbrella-policy-rain-or-shine/ liability coverage through your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Why would you need a personal umbrella policy as well? One ...]]> liability coverage through your homeowners and auto insurance policies. Why would you need a personal umbrella policy as well? One word: lawsuit.

Accidents can be costly. A minor fender-bender in which no one is injured will in all likelihood be covered by your auto policy. But what if you are at fault for an accident that leaves another person seriously injured? What if your child’s friend falls off a swing in your yard, is seriously injured, and her parents sue you for damages? How would you protect your assets?

If you are sued, you could be forced to pay a legal judgment from your current assets and future earnings. These judgments can far exceed the coverage limits of your existing automobile and homeowners policies, leaving you financially devastated.

Extend Your Personal Coverage With an Umbrella Policy
A personal umbrella policy is coverage that protects your existing and future personal assets from devastating losses if you are sued. These policies are an extension of the coverage you already have through your auto and homeowners policies. The umbrella policy kicks in where the other policies leave off (e.g., after your auto policy’s $300,000 liability limit) and pays for damages up to its limit (typically $1,000,000 or more, depending on your assets).

What is Covered Under an Umbrella
A personal umbrella policy will provide coverage above and beyond that in your other insurance policies. For example, if you are sued for $900,000 and your auto policy provides $300,000 in coverage and you have a $1,000,000 umbrella policy, the auto policy would pay $300,000 of the damages and the umbrella would pay the remaining $600,000.

In addition to providing coverage for automobile accidents caused by you or accidents that take place on your property, an umbrella policy can protect against car accidents caused by your dependent children, accidents caused by you or your dependent children while operating a watercraft, accidents that occur on a rental property you own, and personal injury lawsuits arising from slander, libel, defamation of character, false arrest, detention or imprisonment, abuse of process, malicious prosecution, shock/mental anguish and more. Policy specifics will vary by state and insurer, so be sure to read and become familiar with precisely what your policy covers.

When Your Umbrella Can’t Cover You
Because it is a form of personal insurance, an umbrella policy will not provide coverage for judgments made against you related to any business that you own. It will not provide coverage for injuries or damages caused while you are performing any high-risk activities with your vehicle (e.g., drag racing), and it may exclude certain types of vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, farm tractors, or other types of heavy vehicles or equipment. It also will not cover the cost of damages to your own car or property (this would be covered by your auto or homeowner’s policy).

In addition, a personal umbrella policy will not cover you for damages or injuries caused while you are committing a crime (e.g., driving under the influence) or if the damage or injury has been caused by willful or malicious acts. It will also not provide excess health insurance coverage for you or your family.

Underlying Insurance Requirements
A personal umbrella policy is a form of secondary insurance. Remember, it kicks in after your auto and homeowner’s policies have paid to their limits. Requirements for umbrella coverage vary by insurer, but typically you will be required to carry the following coverage in order to purchase an umbrella:

• Auto insurance bodily injury coverage of $250,000 per person/$500,000 per accident


• Auto insurance property damage coverage of $100,000 per accident


• Homeowners insurance personal liability coverage of $500,000

How Much do Umbrella Policies Cost?
Considering the level of coverage, umbrella policies are quite affordable. The cost depends on how much coverage you need, the number of properties you own and the number of vehicles or watercraft you own (your level of risk). A person with one house and two cars would generally pay around $200 per year for the first $1 million in umbrella coverage and another $100 per year for the next $1 million in coverage. This is a relatively inexpensive way to protect your finances from devastating lawsuits.]]> http://www.smhins.com/index.php?do=/profile-4/blog/why-you-need-a-personal-umbrella-policy-rain-or-shine/ Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:40:26 +0000 Kim Nevinger, CIC