Football Fan Safety
Make football season not just fun, but also safe!
Finally, we’re welcoming fall, that eagerly anticipated season when we get to enjoy cooler temps, colorful leaves, the start of school and, of course, football season in California! Football season brings with it a whole host of seasonal activities for football fans, from game-day tailgates and sports bar outings, to friendly bets and bowl parties. At Henderson Insurance Services we want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you cheer your team to victory, consider the following tips.- Keep it clean: Tailgating is one of America’s favorite pastimes! If you’re tailgating, opt for non-breakable, recyclable containers. This will make cleanup easier and help avoid injuries resulting from broken glass.
- Be smart: Whether you are tailgating, hosting a football-watching party at your house, sitting in the stands or joining your buddies at the local bar, know your limit on alcohol intake and make sure you have a designated driver.
- Know where you’re going: Pre-plan travel to and from the stadium to avoid getting lost and to make finding parking easier if you drive.
- Fill those bellies: Whenever alcohol is consumed, make sure food is too!
- Be weather wise: If you’re heading to the stadium, be sure to prepare for the weather. In colder temps, bring layers and blankets (especially if you’re bringing the little ones along). Also, avoid umbrellas if you find yourself in a lightning storm.
- Keep it close: Whether you’re hitting the live game or the local tavern, be sure to keep your valuables, such as wallets, mobile phones and purses, safe. Also, keep it close to you (better yet, attached) at all times to avoid theft.
- Make sure you have adequate auto coverage to cover any contents that may be stolen in the unfortunate event of a break-in at the stadium parking lot.
- Ensure you have sufficient liability coverage on your homeowner’s policy, as well as medical payments coverage and possibly umbrella coverage. These exist to protect you in the event someone becomes injured while at your house.
- Consider roadside assistance coverage. In the event your vehicle breaks down or you lock your keys in your car, it can save the day.
Understanding Common Gaps in Insurance Coverage
- Misconception: If my wedding ring and grandma’s heirloom earrings are stolen, my homeowners’ policy has me completely covered.
- Fact: When policyholders become the unfortunate victim of a theft, fire or natural disaster. their experience becomes even more painful when they discover that their homeowners’ policy has specific internal limits on jewelry. collectibles. art and other items.
- Guidance: Talk to your independent insurance agent about jewelry, antiques or memorabilia that you own. If you buy a new collectible or get a gift, such as a new watch, be sure to check in with your agent to make sure your coverage is still adequate.
- Misconception: If l‘m involved in an accident and my car is in the shop, I’ll still be able to get to work because my auto policy includes rental car reimbursement.
- Fact: When a covered loss requires a vehicle to be in the shop for repairs. many customers are unaware that their base policy does not help pay for the cost of a rental car – and they find themselves in a bind with no way to get to work, or get the kids where they need to go.
- Guidance: Consider a scenario where your insured vehicle has been in an accident and must be in the shop for two, four or more days. Could you share the other family car or borrow a car from a relative? Could you get by biking or using public transportation? If the answer is no, loss of use coverage may be a valuable addition to your policy.
- Misconception: If my Ford Mustang is in an accident, the damaged parts will be replaced with new, original equipment manufactured by Ford.
- Fact: Customers with luxury vehicles or prized sports cars can be disappointed to learn that their car is being repaired using a new part not manufactured by the original manufacturer or a recycled part made by the original manufacturer.
- Guidance: Have a discussion with your independent agent about your preferences. If it’s important to you that your car be repaired using original factory parts. consider original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage.
Why are my insurance rates going up?
Calls come in all the time asking why rates are increasing even though the insured has had no claims, tickets or accidents.
There are a number of factors in play but one of the most prominent one is FRAUD. The FBI has estimated the cost related to FRAUD is in the billions per year which in turn costs an average of $ 500 – $ 1000 per year for families and an even larger amount for business owners. Auto and Workers Compensation Insurance claims seem to be where the largest increases are currently being seen.
The California Department of Insurance has a whole division dedicated to this issue: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0300-fraud/0100-fraud-division-overview/0300-fraud-claims-and-forms/.
Another agency who monitors and reports fraud is the National Association of Insurance Commissioners:
http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_alert_beware_insurance_fraud.htm
Check out these websites for more information on how you can help prevent and report Fraud.
What does “MEDICAL” Coverage provide on an auto insurance policy and why get it?
You may have seen this and think it is not needed since I already have health insurance. You could be right, but let me explain what it does provide. It may provide coverage for you the insured along with your passengers. It may provide coverage to insured drivers who like to walk, or bicycle. It may provide coverage if you as the insured are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle and are injured. If you as the insured need dental work after an accident or require extended nursing services or hospitalization or other rehabilitating services.
You may think, although you might have great health insurance you don’t need this added coverage, but having Medical coverage will help not only you as the insured it will also help your passenger’s as well.
More information on understanding your auto insurance coverage;
http://www.naic.org/documents/consumer_alert_understanding_auto.htm