Posts by: Krush Digital

Boating Safety and Insurance Tips to Keep You Safe on the Water

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The blazing heat of the Oklahoma summers often drives us to the water. Luckily, we have many different lakes to help us beat the heat. Of course the best way to enjoy the lake is with a boat. While boats can provide hours of fun in the sun, they can also be very dangerous if you aren’t careful.
The latest information from the U.S. Coast Guard shows an alarming upward trend in accidents and fatalities while on the water.
• In 2012, 4,515 recreational boating accidents caused 651 deaths, 3,000 injuries
and approximately $38 million of damage.
• The fatality rate was 5.4 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels.
• 71 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those, 85 percent
were not wearing a life jacket.

Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and machinery failure rank as the top five primary contributing factors in boating accidents. Safety on Oklahoma waterways is the responsibility of everyone. Here are a few boating safety tips to keep in mind:

1. No matter what activity you have planned – boating, fishing sailing, etc. – always
remember to wear a life jacket every time you are on the water. Make sure your
life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and fits properly. Double-check that
your life jacket is appropriate for your favorite boating activities.
2. Adult life jackets do not work for children. If you are boating with children, make
sure they are wearing properly fitted, child-sized life jackets. Do not buy a life
jacket for your child to “grow into.”
3. Operator errors account for 70 percent of boating accidents. Look into taking a
safety course to brush up on boating instructions.
4. Learn how to perform a vessel safety check before taking to the water, which will
help you navigate should you encounter problem situations. All vessels using
flammable liquid as fuel are required to have the proper type, size and number of
fire extinguishers on board.
5. Wear clothes that will help keep you and your passengers cool and always bring
plenty of cool non-alcoholic drinks, food and snacks.
6. The use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

Boating sober is the safest way to enjoy the water. Of course you still have to plan for the worst, that’s why boat insurance is so important. In most cases, homeowners policies only offer minimal coverage for your boat.
A boat owner’s insurance policy can insure you against most risks associated with operating your boat and trailer. Those risks may include sinking, fire, storms, collision and theft. The policy can also protect you against liability lawsuits, should you hurt someone with your boat or damage someone else’s property.
For more information, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department online at http://www.ok.gov/oid/.

Put Safe Driving First this Fourth

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The Fourth of July is a national holiday that was set to remind us of our freedom in this country. We often celebrate with a variety of classic American pastimes – barbecues, family picnics and water activities to cool off in the Oklahoma heat. Many people will head out of town this week to celebrate with family and friends, but do so with caution if you plan to be on the road. According to research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), July 4 is the deadliest day on the road for all Americans in recent years.
IIHS reported that more than 670 people were killed on July 4 from 2007-2011, averaging 134 deaths on this holiday each year. Several factors contribute to this particular day being one of the most unsafe to drive. For example, more people are on the roads in general, traveling to various places to celebrate. July 4 is also the second highest day for alcohol-related accidents, taking backseat only to New Year’s Eve. The Insurance Institute reported that 41 percent of accidents on the Fourth are alcohol-related, while 31 percent of accidents on a typical day are related to alcohol. But the biggest contributor to highway frustrations and safety issues is traffic. AAA is projecting that 40.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home, including 538,600 Oklahomans. It is expected that 86 percent of Oklahoma travelers will go by car, pickup or RV. Additionally, it is projected that six million more Americans will travel over the Fourth than over Memorial Day of this year. Remember these tips when you head out the door this Independence Day:
– Put down the phone and avoid texting behind the wheel. Distracted driving was responsible for 10 percent of injury crashes in 2011.
– Always put on your seat belt and make sure your passengers are safely belted as well.
– If you have a driving teenager, prepare them for every driving condition before giving them the keys on a holiday weekend.
– Make sure your vehicle is working properly. Parts and equipment, particularly batteries, can especially be affected by heat. AAA anticipates it will replace 30,000 auto batteries on the roadside and jump start an additional 60,000 during the holiday weekend.
– Make sure your auto insurance is up-to-date and your policy contains adequate coverage. If you are unsure, contact your insurance agent prior to making travel plans.
As we look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July this year, let’s keep in mind safety
and consideration for all travelers. Wherever you are headed this week, be patient and
take time to be safe on the roads – there will be a lot of us out there with you!
For more information about auto insurance and accidents, or any other insurance matter,
contact our Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-522-0071 or visit
http://www.ok.gov/oid/.

Avoid Falling for Scams after Disasters

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Ready or not, severe weather season is here. While you may be prepared for severe storms, wildfires and earthquakes, you may not be ready for the scammers that seem to surface right after Oklahoma’s natural disasters. It’s unfortunate that there are people out there trying to cheat others out of their hard-earned money under the guise of providing a service after a disaster. Yet, it happens time and time again to unsuspecting homeowners. There are ways to prevent this from happening to you and your family. Become an informed homeowner. Above all, take time to make the right decision for your family and seek advice from a trusted professional before signing anything. Here are some basic guidelines for hiring service providers:

Roofers and Builders

– Do not rush into signing a contract with any company. Take time to collect information and get written estimates for any repair work.
– Make temporary repairs to your property to prevent further losses from the elements and to secure your property, remembering to keep all receipts. Avoid hiring a contractor to make any temporary repairs, as temporary repairs should be covered as part of the total settlement. If you pay for a temporary repair job, you may not have enough money for permanent repairs.
– Take time to investigate the track record of any roofer, builder or contractor that you consider hiring. This includes researching the reputation of the company in your community, calling the Better Business Bureau and getting references before ever handing over a deposit.
– Always pay upon completion of the job. Often, a fraudster will convince homeowners to lay down a large deposit to commence repair work. In these cases, the job is rarely ever completed with the con artist never seen from again.

Public Adjusters and Attorneys

– Door-to-door solicitors are especially ones to be wary of in the aftermath of a disaster. You should never be scared into making a decision or signing a contract on the spot. As with anyone you are looking to hire, take your time to research the credibility of the person seeking to handle your claim. A worst-case scenario could involve forfeiting a significant portion of your insurance dollars.
– Try to settle your claim directly with your insurance company. Your insurer provides an adjuster at no charge to you. You always have the option of hiring a third-party professional if needed.
– Public adjusters generally cost up to 20 percent of your total claim settlement and an attorney as much as 30 percent or more.
A contract for repair should always include a separate breakout of labor and materials costs, the date the project is to begin, the date it is to be completed and proof of insurance coverage during that entire time. The contract should also include the amount of payment required along the way, with the final payment due AFTER the work has been completed to your satisfaction. For more information or help with any other insurance questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Assistance Division at 1-800-522-0071 or by visiting http://www.ok.gov/oid/.

Strike Lightning Damage Before it Hits

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Spring weather inevitably raises many questions regarding damage caused by severe storms. One common question involves the aftermath of lightning strikes, which can bring down power lines, start fires and short out electronics. Every year an average of 50 lightning bolts strike within one mile of each person in Oklahoma. Nationwide, about 37 people a year are killed in lightning-related incidents.The best way to protect yourself, as with all types of disasters, is to plan ahead to avoid dangerous locations during storms. However, property damage is another issue that can sometimes be unavoidable. Standard homeowners insurance will cover your property and structures for damage caused by lightning strikes. The number of paid claims has increased over time to reach over 186,000 in 2011, with an average cost per claim of $5,112. This adds up to on average $960 million in homeowners insurance claims each year since 2007.

There are ways to prevent damage from lightning strikes. Installing a lightning protection system will provide structural protection by directing the lightning power safely into the ground, leaving the structure and its contents undamaged. It is important to have a licensed electrician install this type of protection system. Another way to protect your property from lightning damage is to always use surge protectors. Regular power strips offer little protection from power surges related to lightning strikes. Electronic equipment that is frequently used in today’s households is extremely vulnerable to power surges and can be rendered useless in a matter of seconds. A final tip to help with protecting against lightning damage is to simply unplug if a storm is approaching. This includes all electronics, appliances and lighting devices.

Lightning Safety Tips

Do:

Take shelter. Safe spaces include your home and a large or enclosed building, preferably protected with a lightning protection system.

Do:

Avoid areas where you would be considered the highest object. If you are caught in an open field with no nearby shelter, and your hair begins to stand on end (an indication that lightning is about to strike) drop down and crouch with hands on knees, rocking up on the balls of your feet and making as little contact with the ground as possible.

Do NOT:

Lie flat or place your hands on the ground if in an open area without protection.

Do:

Avoid lakes, beaches or open water, fishing from a boat or dock, riding on golf carts, farm equipment, motorcycles or bicycles. Take shelter in tunnels, subways, even ditches or caves if necessary.

Do NOT:

Take shelter under a tree or near a fence, telephone pole, power line, pipeline or other electrically conductive objects.

Do:

Stay off the telephone and avoid open windows, doorways or metal piping. Stay away from TVs, plumbing, sinks and bathtubs, radiators and stoves. Avoid contact with
small electric appliances such as radios, toasters and hairdryers. For additional information on how you can protect yourself and your property from storm damage, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department online at http://www.ok.gov/oid/ and click on “Prepare Yourself” under Consumer Assistance.

Fallen Trees & Homeowners Insurance: What’s Covered?

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Springtime brings new life to the Oklahoma landscape but also ushers in severe weather, heavy rains and wicked winds. Some days, wind speeds go off the charts, reaching up to 50 miles per hour. Winds like that can do some serious damage, usually by cracking tree limbs or even toppling entire trees. Homeowners need to be prepared for this springtime hazard.

Am I Covered?

Property damage caused by fallen trees can be the most misunderstood coverage in a homeowners insurance policy. If you carry homeowners insurance, you will be covered for damage to a structure and its contents from fallen trees and branches. The cost to remove the tree or limb is also covered by the insurer. Additionally, your homeowners policy will cover damages when the tree is on someone else’s property and has caused damage to your structure or property. An example of this would be if a tree limb is stretching across your property and falls due to wind, lightning or hail, causing damage to a structure such as the house, garage or fence. In other words, it is the responsibility of the owner on whose property the tree limb fell to contact their homeowners insurance provider.

Tree Negligence

In most cases, the homeowner who sustained the damage files an insurance claim. However, if your neighbor is notified that their tree is a safety concern and nothing is done, your neighbor could be considered negligent. This could be true if the tree was in poor health or not properly maintained. The policyholder’s insurance company may try to collect from the neighbor’s insurance company in a process known as subrogation. If the insurer is successful, you may be reimbursed for the deductible.

Safety First

Always remember that safety is first. If you have sustained damage, safely protect your property from additional damage and take photos of the damage. Keep receipts of any necessary purchases, such as supplies for emergency repairs. Knowing the inclusions and limitations of your homeowners policy can seem tough to navigate, but it always helps to check with your insurer anytime you sustain damages to check on what is and isn’t covered.
For more information or help with other questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Team at 1-800-522-0071.

Don’t Let a Flood Sweep Away Your Savings

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Don’t Let a Flood Sweep Away Your Savings Damage from a flood is NOT covered under a standard homeowners policy. The top four disaster risks we face here in Oklahoma are tornadoes, hail, wildfires and floods. Yet, of those four risks, one is not covered by a standard homeowners policy. Flood protection requires additional insurance.

This week is National Flood Safety Awareness Week. It’s a great time to remind homeowners about the risks involved with floods and how to protect their property. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) defines flood to be “a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area.” Flood insurance is an exclusive policy that is federally backed by the NFIP and available for homeowners, renters and businesses. Insurance companies work closely with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the NFIP to offer flood insurance to property owners and renters. Rates do not differ from company to company, but do depend on factors such as age, type of construction and the level of flood risk in your area. FEMA estimates an average homeowner’s flood insurance premium to be approximately $500 a year, depending on your deductible and other factors. Flood insurance protects:

  • Building: the structure and its foundation; electrical and plumbing systems; central airconditioning, furnaces and water heaters; most large and built-in appliances and permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring.
  • Contents: clothing, furniture and electronic equipment; curtains; portable and window air conditioners; carpeting that is not already included in your property coverage; clothes washers and dryers.
  • Most importantly, as with most disaster safety procedures, have a plan in place rather than making last minute decisions. Remember these important tips:
  • Have a discussion with your family that includes identifying a storm shelter or area and an evacuation plan. >
  • Make a home inventory; i.e., a record of your personal property, such as clothes,
    jewelry, furniture, computers and audio/video equipment. You can download home inventory checklists at https://www.oid.ok.gov/home-inventory.

In the event that you are forced into a flood situation, keep this advice in mind:

  • Have a way to receive the latest emergency information such as keeping a batteryoperated weather radio nearby.
  • Keep handy a food survival kit that includes bottled water, non-perishable food items, important medications, maps, a battery-operated flashlight and a first aid kit.
  • Contact your insurance agent or insurance company right away if you are flooded.
  • When your insurance company adjuster contacts you, ask for identification. Do not permit an adjuster to inspect your property without proper I.D.
  • Protect your property from further damage. Take photos of your damaged property and make whatever reasonable temporary repairs are needed.

For a quick glance at what flood insurance might cost for your property and to find an agent licensed to sell flood insurance in your community, enter your address in the OneStep Flood Risk Profile at http://www.floodsmart.gov.
For more information on this topic or other insurance questions, visit the Oklahoma Insurance Department online at http://www.ok.gov/oid/.

Auto Insurance: Common Myths

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Whether purchasing auto insurance for the first time or conducting an annual review of your coverage, it’s a good idea to do your homework and not believe everything you hear. Differentiating between fact and fiction will give you a good start on securing the best insurance policy for your vehicle.

Myth: Your credit has no effect on your insurance rate.
Fact: Many insurance companies take your credit-based insurance score into consideration.

It is common for your insurance score to be based on your credit. An insurance score is a measure of how well you manage your financial affairs and this is taken into consideration when you want to purchase, change or renew your auto insurance coverage. When you have good credit, generally you will pay less for insurance if the insurance scores are entered into the pricing equation.

Myth: Any insurance policy will cover you if your car is stolen, hit by an uninsured driver, vandalized or damaged by falling tree limbs, hail, flood or fire.
Fact: Only comprehensive coverage will protect you from those disasters, but it’s optional coverage.

Both comprehensive and collision coverage are optional and will increase the cost of your premium. However, if you finance your vehicle, many lenders require you to carry full coverage on the vehicle. If you drive an older car or one worth less than $1,000, it may not be cost effective to purchase full coverage. But having both collision and comprehensive coverage is the best way to fully protect your vehicle from all types of damage.

Myth: You only need the minimum amount of auto liability insurance required by law.
Fact: State laws require a minimum liability amount to be a legal driver; however, this likely will not be enough coverage in the case of an accident. In Oklahoma, the minimum liability coverage is 25/50/25, or $25,000 of bodily injury protection per person, $50,000 per accident and $25,000 of property damage protection.

Accidents often cost more than these minimum limits and buying only the minimum amount of liability means you will likely pay more out-of-pocket for losses incurred from an accident. A general recommendation from the insurance industry is to carry a minimum of $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person, $300,000 per accident and $100,000 of property damage or 100/300/100.

Myth: If other people drive your car, their auto insurance will cover them in the event of an accident.
Fact: The car owner’s insurance will provide physical damage coverage because comprehensive and collision coverages are specifically linked to the car. In Oklahoma, and most states, the car owner’s liability insurance also follows the car as long as the owner gave the driver permission to drive. If the owner failed to obtain liability insurance, the driver is required by law to carry liability insurance.

Myth: Color determines the price of auto insurance.
Fact: The type of vehicle purchased impacts the price of the policy. A long-standing myth regarding the cost of auto insurance involves the color of the vehicle. For years, many have upheld the belief that a certain color of car will make insurance premiums higher. For example, red cars have been associated with speeding or aggressive driving and thus have been associated with higher insurance premiums.

The fact is, it doesn’t matter what color the vehicle is, only what type. Auto insurance premiums are based on make, model, body type, engine size, the age of the vehicle and the age, driving record and credit history of the driver. Premiums are also based, in part, on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Simply put, insurers have no interest in the color of a car, but they do want to know if you have had any previous car accidents, the number of miles you drive annually and where you live.

If you ever have any insurance-related questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Consumer Assistance Team at 1-800-522-0071. You can also visit https://www.oid.ok.gov/insurance-basics/ for more information on choosing an auto insurance policy.

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

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Colorful decorations are a great way to get into the holiday spirit, but they also raise your risk of home fires. The number of fires linked to holiday décor increases every year.
Traditional Christmas preparation generally includes decking the halls and a healthy round of “O Christmas Tree.” Since many of us are not able to fathom a holiday season without a beautiful, trimmed tree to place our gifts under, we need to do more to make sure our homes are safe from unnecessary fire dangers during this time.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that 240 home fires each year
involve Christmas trees. Of those fires, one in 18 is deadly. Another 150 fires are relate
to holiday lights. Together, Christmas trees and lights cause about $25.2 million in direct
property damage each year. These are staggering statistics and definitely play a role in raising homeowners insurance rates

Preventing a fire in your home doesn’t mean you have to implement a firm no-decorating rule. Here’s a few things to keep in mind when you deck the halls and trim the tree.

  • If you choose to have a live tree, keep it well-watered. A dry and neglected tree can easily be the cause of your home going up in flames. Additionally, do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
  • Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.
  • Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the year insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up.
  • Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet
  • Do not leave holiday lights on or leave a burning candle unattended.
  • All not leave holiday on or leave a leave a burning candle unattended.
  • All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents.

When choosing live tree over an artificial tree, make sure to dispose of the tree promptly. The best way to dispose of the tree is to take it to a recycling center or have it hauled away by away by a community pick-up service.

Implement these safety tips in your home today can help ensure a safe and merry holiday season for all. For more information or help with other questions, please contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department Consumer Assistance Team at 1-800-522-0071.

Deer in the Headlights?

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The catch phrase “caught like a deer in headlights” is very descriptive of a situation Oklahoma drivers face often this time of year. Deer-vehicle collisions increase during the months of October through January, the height of deer mating and migration season. Vehicle crashes involving deer cause around 200 deaths each year and over $3.6 billion in vehicle damage. Given the possibility of this happening to you, it is important to understand how you and your insurance carrier should handle this type of accident.

The average collision cost for this type of accident is $2,800 for vehicle damage alone and $10,000 if bodily injury is involved. You can protect your finances and vehicle by maintaining full insurance coverage, which includes comprehensive. Comprehensive protection pays for damage to your vehicle caused by something other than a collision. This would include deer-vehicle accidents, allowing you to file a property damage claim.

Other factors that contribute to increased auto accidents involving deer are; further rural and wooded area development, reduced daylight hours and the end of Daylight Savings. Here are some tips for avoiding deer when driving:

  • Slow down and exercise extra awareness around dusk and dawn when deer are
  • most active.
  • Pay attention to posted deer crossing signs and slow your speed particularly while
  • in that area.
  • Remember that October and November are the most active months for deer,
  • however increased activity continues through January.
  • If you see one deer, there are usually more, so be extra cautious.
  • Should you hit a deer, call 911 for serious injuries or the police department and
  • notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

Filing a claim for a deer-vehicle accident may impact your insurance rates, so it is
important to know the facts up front. For more information or clarification, please contact
your insurance agent or the Oklahoma Insurance Department. Just call our Consumer
Assistance Team at 1-800-522-0071.

Lower Temperatures Raise the Risk of Home Fires

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OKLAHOMA CITY – While Oklahoma has experienced some pretty mild weather this Fall, things are about to change. With forecasters predicting a major cold snap coming our way, now is a great time to make sure your home heating system is working properly.

Proper maintenance not only protects your family from avoidable fire dangers, but protects all of Oklahoma from fire disasters and increasing insurance rates. Last year, insurance companies paid out over $90 million in claims for fire-related damages. These simple tips from the Oklahoma City Fire Department will help you protect your family, and your property, as you crank up the heat.

  • Keep flammable objects away from furnaces, fireplaces and other heating units.
  • Clean or replace the furnace filter and clean entire furnace area to remove debris.
  • Have heating units inspected by a licensed contractor.
  • Clean fireplaces and chimneys.
  • Before going to bed at night, check that fires are completely out and space heaters have proper ventilation.
  • Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working properly. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, get one.
  • Never discard hot ashes inside or near the home. Place them in a metal container outside and well away from the house.
  • Never use a range or an oven as a supplemental heating device. Not only is it a safety hazard, it can be a source of potentially toxic fumes.
  • If you use an electric heater, be sure not to overload the circuit. Only use extension cords which have the necessary rating to carry the amp load. TIP: Choose an extension cord the same size or larger than the appliance electrical cord.

Many fire departments, including Oklahoma City and Tulsa, offer free smoke detectors, batteries and installation to residents who request it. It’s a product that can save your life. With a smoke detector and a little caution, we can all remain safe and healthy during the fall and winter seasons.