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Should You Pay for Rental Car Insurance?

6/29/2016

Sandvik Insurance Agency Should You Pay for Rental Car insurance?

Picture it; you’re standing at the rental car counter waiting to start your vacation. You just got off the plane and the kids are stir crazy. Now, just one quick question before you can begin your vacation. “Would you like to purchase the rental car insurance?”

Now, you’re pretty savvy about insurance. You’ve read your policy and ask great questions of your insurance agent each year at your annual review! Unfortunately, the rental car insurance options you have in front of you have nothing in common with your personal auto insurance policy.

Don’t worry, there is a simple solution. We’ve broken it down to two key points that make the decision about whether or not you need rental car insurance an easy one. A little homework before your trip will help the rental process run more smoothly when you get to your destination.

The tips below will help you gather the necessary information to make an informed decision. Rental car insurance is just one of the many examples where your agent can help you make the best insurance decision.

Review the two key points you need to know and then contact your independent insurance agent to get started.

How much coverage do you have on your car?

As long as you are renting a car for personal use only, then whatever coverage you have on your own vehicle may carry over to your rental car. You’ll need to know whether your insurance policy covers administrative fees, loss of use or towing charges.

If you don’t currently own a car, and frequently rent or borrow from friends, contact your agent about a non-owner liability policy.

2. Does your credit card provide any coverage?

Call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the operator to send you the rental car coverage details in writing. In most situations, your card may provide a small amount of coverage if the card is used to purchase the rental. Card benefits are often a backup to your personal auto insurance or the rental car insurance (if you choose to purchase).

Coverage varies greatly between cards and there is often more coverage on higher level cards. Liability is usually not included.

Whenever you have an insurance question or are concerned or unsure about your coverage, contact your independent insurance agent! Your agent is a resource to help you make informed decisions that protect your property, family and finances. Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Five Key Factors in Selecting a Worker's Compensation Carrier

4/29/2016

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Five Key Factors in Selecting a Workers’ Compensation Carrier
It's no secret independent insurance agents love to shop for their clients. Think of them as the best gift-givers around! When it comes to shopping for Workers' Compensation insurance, your agent's job is to find a carrier that's the best fit for your business, but the process is a little more complicated than you'd think. Selecting a carrier based solely on economic decisions might not be the smartest choice. And while price is definitely important, it's not the only factor. As an owner or manager it's important to understand the process when it comes to your Workers' Compensation insurance.

Check out these five key factors your independent insurance agent is considering when recommending a Workers’ Compensation carrier.

1. Financial Stability
Your Workers' Compensation carrier needs to be financially strong. If they had to pay out a large portion of policies, would they be able to do so? It's important to know before you have to file a claim. A.M. Best is a company that rates insurance carriers' Financial Strength Rating (FSR), which represents their ability to meet commitments to policyholders.

2. Claims handling practices
If the unfortunate happens, how fast would you want the carrier to respond to a Workers' Compensation claim - immediately or several weeks after the incident? Time is money when it come to business and you can't afford to wait. Carriers track claims response rates and the ones that are highly rated are likely to toot their horn and let you know about their timely and helpful service.

3. Risk management resources
Top insurance carriers should have a library of resources available to help your business maintain a risk-free work environment and information on return-to-work programs. The best part is that access to these resources is usually included in with your Workers' Compensation policy.

4. Experience in your industry
You would never take your BMW to a mechanic that doesn't specialize in imports because they would have little experience with your German engine. That's the same reason why you shouldn't select a carrier that has little-to-no knowledge of your business. Experience in your industry is important so they understand your needs to provide adequate coverage.

5. Tenure in the industry
A carrier who has only been selling Workers' Compensation coverage for 6 months might be more of a risk for your business as opposed to another who has a strong book of business selling Workers' Compensation coverage for more than 30 consecutive years.

Leaving the shopping to an independent insurance agent will not only give you the best possible Workers' Compensation coverage for your business, but the peace of mind that comes along with it. Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Three Important Reasons to have Renters Insurance

3/2/2016

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Sandvik Insurance Agency's Three Important Reasons to have Renters Insurance
Every dollar you take home is important and you do your best to spend them wisely. When purchasing a house, most people borrow from a bank and are required by the lender to buy insurance. However, when you rent, that check and balance isn’t in place to remind you of the risks of being uninsured. In fact, an Insurance Information Institute (III) poll completed in 2014 showed that only 37 percent who rent a house or apartment are insured.

Did you know that if you rent, your landlord’s insurance will only cover the costs for damage to the building and not your personal items? Renters insurance is well worth the investment. Check out the three ways that renter’s insurance protects you – the renter.

1. Coverage for your personal possessions
It doesn’t seem likely that you could ever lose your “stuff”, but it can happen to even the most careful person because well, unexpected things happen. Then what? Well, renters insurance may reimburse you for loss of, or damage to your personal possessions from causes such as fire or lightning, windstorm or hail, explosion, vandalism or malicious mischief, theft, falling objects, weight of ice, snow or sleet, water damage resulting from utilities and electrical surge damage. Some policies even include a limited amount of off premises coverage for when you travel.

2. Liability protection
If you’re sued because you, your family member or your pet cause someone to suffer bodily injury or incur property damages, a renters insurance policy gives you protection. How? The policy pays for your defense attorney and any damages awarded - up to the limit of your policy. A standard policy typically provides at least $100,000 of liability coverage, with more available for additional premium. Your renters policy also provides compensation to someone who is actually injured while in your rental unit. Most policies allow between $1,000 and $5,000 in coverage.

3. Additional living expenses
Where would you stay if your property was damaged by fire or storm and you had to move out temporarily? A renters policy may provide you with additional living expenses (ALE) so you can live elsewhere if your rental is damaged or destroyed by a disaster. The ALE pays for meals, hotel bills and normal expenses (laundry, utilities, etc.) you incur while the property is repaired or rebuilt. Make sure you know how much coverage you have and what the limitations are. Some insurance companies provide coverage for a specific amount of time and others have a financial cap.

Protect your personal property and your savings by contacting your independent insurance agent to discuss your options for renters insurance today. Ask about discounts you may be eligible for. The benefits far outweigh the cost and you’ll sleep better knowing you’re covered. Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks

2/29/2016

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Sandvik Insurance Agency's 6 Ways to Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks

In today’s online environment, even Fortune 500 companies aren’t exempt from cyber-crime, but they aren’t the only target. Are you aware of your risks?

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) states that companies with less than 100 employees lose approximately $155,000 every year as a result of fraud. Small businesses are often at greater risk resulting from less security across the business, such as inadequate network and computer security or lack of background checks in their hiring process. Companies and government organizations worldwide are focusing on cybersecurity as a critical priority. Here are six tips to protect your business assets and data:

1.   Keep up with current trends
Employees are potentially your biggest weakness when it comes to fraud, but if informed, can act as a first line of defense. Educate yourself and your staff on current security threats and prevention measures. Frequent training and written policies for passwords and handling of company information are just a couple ways to help reinforce behaviors and stay ahead of an ever-changing risk.

   2. Guard important information
Make sure personal and business accounts are separate. This is a common area of fraud for a business of any size, so check account activity every day. Don’t give your c card or the number to an employee or company unless you’re familiar with them. Switch to online bill pay and protect your mail to prevent any sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.

   3.   Put security first
Invest in a firewall, quality anti-virus and malware/spyware detection software and be vigilant about keeping them up-to-date. Back up daily to help keep your business moving forward in the event you experience a cyber-attack. Dedicate one computer for online banking transactions and try not to use it for email, social media or web-surfing if possible.

   4. Good hiring practices
One of the best ways to help prevent fraud is by hiring the right people. Basic background checks are just good business practice, especially if employees will be dealing with sensitive customer information, high value merchandise or handling cash. Stay informed about which background checks you can legally pursue and how you can do some research on your own.

5. Be smart about your phone and Wi-Fi use
You’re busy and on the go, but resist the urge to connect when you’re away. Your devices may be set to search and connect to available networks in range. Adjustsmartphone, tablet or laptop settings to avoid automatically connecting to a network that appears public, but could be monitored by a cyber predator.

6. Contact your independent insurance agent
Your agent understands the risks unique to your business and will work with you to find an insurance company that has the right coverage for you. Cyber liability insurance can help you recover from the effects of cyber-crime and minimize the impact on your bottom line.

From a risk that began with the so-called “Y2K” or Millennium bug that prompted fears of widespread computer failure, cyber coverage has changed at the rate of technology and will continue to do so. Stay informed and make sure your business is insured. Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

12/18/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S HOLIDAY DECORATION SAFETY TIPS
The holidays are a time for getting together with family and friends. Rarely do we consider how our decorations could put us at risk for injury or fire. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that every year, more than 12,500 injuries involving holiday decorations are seen in emergency departments nationwide during November and December. Sharing these reminders can go a long way to helping your customers be safe during the holiday season.

How can you avoid injuries this holiday season? Check out these safety tips for decking the halls:

Buy fresh — when you head out to pick the perfect tree, make sure to conduct a quick three-part stress test. The needles should resist being pulled off and should not snap or break when bent, the trunk bottom should be sticky with resin and the limbs should be strong and only drop a few needles if shaken
Keep it cool — live or artificial, trees don’t take well to the heat, so make sure not to position your tree next to the fireplace, heat ducts or radiators. Also remember not to place them where they may block doorways or high-traffic areas
Put them to the test — make sure your lights are in good condition and in proper working order. They should be tested and marked with a holographic UL label. A red label means lights can be used indoors and out, while green means they are for indoor-use only
Take it easy — use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord. Make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use
Lights out — when you turn in, your lights should too. Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire
Stay grounded — your power should come from a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. This type of outlet will shut down if there is over-current. If you don’t have one, a qualified electrician can add one outdoors for your future holiday needs or you can buy a portable outdoor unit from your local hardware store for less than $20
Teamwork — if you are working with lights or decorations above your normal reach, help prevent falls by making sure you use a secure ladder of the proper length and have someone help support the base
Watch that wick — keep all candles within eyesight when lit. Place them on a stable surface out of reach to animals and children and make sure to extinguish them all before you go to bed, leave the room or the house

It’s easy to get caught up in the festivities. Keep your holidays happy and your home and family safe by taking a little extra time to make sure your decorations are hung with care.
Courtesy of Integrity Insurance

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Avoiding Deer Collisions

11/2/2015

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AVOIDING DEER COLLISIONS
Picture this: you’re driving along a winding country road enjoying the beautiful fall foliage and all-of-a-sudden a huge buck runs in front of your vehicle. How would you react? Fall is peak time for deer-vehicle collisions thanks to deer mating season which begins in fall and runs through January. During this time deer are very active and on the move. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large animal-vehicle collisions result in an average of 187 fatalities annually.

Back to the question — how would you react? Not sure? Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid a collision:

1. Say “no” to swerving — Never EVER swerve. Swerving is especially dangerous because it puts the driver at risk for a head-on collision with oncoming traffic, trees or even a ditch and confuses the deer as to where to go.

2. SLOW down — Slow down if you’re driving through an area with high deer populations. If you drive defensively, you’ll have more time to break if you cross paths with a deer.

3. Leader of the pack — Deer rarely travel alone so if you see one it’s likely another is close behind.

4. Put your foot on the brake — If you cross paths with a deer, brake firmly while staying in your lane and blow your horn to frighten the deer away.

5. Green eyes — At night watch for the shine of eyes along the side of the road (their eyes usually look green).

6. Sun up, sun down — deer are most active at dusk and dawn.

7. Center lane — the center lane on a multi-lane road is the “safest” place to drive because it gives deer space and drivers additional time to react.

8. Faulty-products — There are many products on the market that claim to shield off deer (like whistles and repellent) unfortunately, these products are not proven to work.

Remember deer collisions can happen to the best of drivers. If you strike a deer never touch the animal. Pull over to the side of the road as soon as you safely can, call police immediately and report the damage to your insurance agent as soon as possible.

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Fire Safety Tips

10/1/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S FIRE SAFETY TIPS
October is Fire Prevention Month. It’s a good time to pause and educate yourself on fire safety. According to the Red Cross, each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in house fires in the United States, with direct property loss estimated at $7.3 billion annually. House fires are preventable so take action to keep you and loved ones safe by following these tips.

Smoke Detectors — get in the habit of checking the alarm on smoke detectors monthly and replacing batteries twice a year. Smoke detectors should be installed in every bedroom and on all levels

Fire Escape Plan — it’s important to create and practice a fire escape plan. Explore alternate escape routes in case the fire is blocking the main exit. If you have small children, National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) has an escape planning grid http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-planning which may help them better understand what they should do and where they should go

Cooking — when using a stovetop, always stay in the kitchen and if you have to leave (even for a brief moment) turn it off. Always stay in your house when you’re using the oven, checking it regularly. It’s also important to keep items that are flammable such as potholders and towels away from the stove

4. Space Heaters — the number of residential fires typically peeks December through February, mostly due to the increase in usage of space heaters. Always read and follow the directions and keep it at least three feet from anything flammable. Never place a space heater near a bed or in a spot where a child or pet could easily knock it over

   5. Fire Extinguishers — a fire extinguisher is a good tool when a fire is contained in a small area and used after the fire department has been called. The NFPA says to remember PASS when using an extinguisher.
   Pull the pin
    Aim low
Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Did you know there is a shelf-life on fire extinguishers? Check to make sure yours isn’t expired by looking at the date on the gauge.

6. Teaching Fire Safety — teach kids the facts so they know how to protect themselves.

Cover mouth and nose with clothing to make it easier to breath while getting out of the house
Crawl and stay low to the ground as smoke rises, making it more difficult to breathe
Never touch a doorknob as it could be extremely hot; instead touch the door — if it’s hot do not open as it means there are flames on the other side
Never stop to gather personal belongings
Stop, drop and roll to extinguish a fire on clothing
Call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency

Being prepared is the best way to protect you and your loved ones during a fire. Share this article with family and friends so they too can help prevent fires and stay safe.

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Back - To - School Driving Tips

9/4/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY BACK-TO-SCHOOL DRIVING TIPS

Millions of students are headed back to school this fall. It’s a good time to educate yourself and drivers alike on the rules of the road around school busses, in school zones, dangers of distracted driving and how to keep pedestrians safe.

School Bus

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) some 25 million students’ nationwide travel to and from school on a bus. The NSC reports that school buses are considered the safest mode of transportation because of their size and construction, causing only one percent of all student fatalities during school travel times. Even though this statistic is low it’s still one percent too high.

Keep at least 10 feet of space between your car and the school bus

Never pass a school bus that is stopped; most will flash a stop sign on their left side as a reminder when stopped but don’t assume all busses have that feature

Drive with caution if you see yellow hazard warning lights flashing on a moving bus

Watch for children gathering near a school bus — children are notorious for darting toward a school bus without looking for traffic

School Zones

A school zone is any area near a school or crosswalk leading to a school. School zones typically have speed limits between 15 and 25 mph and fines for speeding in these areas usually double.

Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed zones

Be on the lookout for school crossing guards and follow their signals

Never pass a vehicle, change lanes or make U-turns in a school zone

Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes to drop off or pick up children in a school zone

Distracted Driving

According to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide, one in six drivers in a school zone was distracted by cell phones, music, engaging in conversation, smoking, eating, grooming or reaching for something.

Avoid eating in the car

If you need to make a call, pull off to the side of the road

Limit noise and activity in the car

Finish getting dressed and personal grooming before you leave the house

If your child or pet needs attention, pull off to the side of the road

Pedestrian Safety

According to Safe Routes to School, roughly 13 percent of children ages 5 to 14 years old walk to school. Children are unpredictable and often difficult to see; always use caution and look out for them near schools and playgrounds

Pedestrians typically have the right-of-way at all intersections

Don’t stop with a portion of your vehicle over the cross walk asthismay force the pedestrian to go around your vehicle putting themselves at risk of being struck by another vehicle

Never honk your horn or rev your engine to rush or scare a pedestrian

Do you take any other precautions? If so, please share in the comment field below.

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Social Media + Vacation Safety

8/14/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY'S SOCIAL MEDIA + VACATION SAFETY

It’s summer vacation! Whether you’re packing up the car and driving up north or going on a dream European vacation, it’s important to know your Tweet, Instagram or Facebook post could potentially be bait for a criminal looking for their next target. We live in a digital world and according to the Electronics Security Association, it’s estimated that 75 percent of burglars are using social media to find targets. You may recall in 2013 the role social media played when 400 teens crashed ex-NFL player Brian Halloway’s house after word got out on Twitter that his place was vacant for the weekend causing nearly $20,000 in property damages (not including stolen items).

Here are some social media safety tips to ensure protection of your property and belongings while you’re on vacation.

1.    Keep your lips sealed — it’s fun to share the news that you’re heading to Disney World, but stay quiet as criminals often search keywords; according to a study by Electronics Security Association, burglars are likely to steel higher valued items if they know no one will be home for a few hours

2.    #Latergram — keep your vacation photos off social media until after you are back home and use the hashtag #latergram to show it was taken earlier. If you can’t wait to share photos upload them on Google Photos and only share it with those close in your life

3.    Hidden data — did you know that when you post a photo on social media it may include hidden data (called EXIF) which includes where and when the photo was taken? Facebook and Instagram remove this information automatically but other social media platforms and some phones like the iPhone do not. It’s quite easy to remove this data, just follow these simple steps http://www.howtogeek.com/203592/what-is-exif-data-and-how-to-remove-it/]

4.   Pricey souvenirs — did you purchase an expensive souvenir on your trip? Leave the photo of your new Italian leather bag off-line as you could still be a target upon your return

5.    I am here — disable GPS location-identifying settings; even if you’re posting a message not relating to the trip, like wishing your sister a “Happy Birthday,” your exact geographic location could still be captured and shared; simply disable this function on your social media setting to ensure your exact location will not be revealed

6.    Be Private — change your social media account settings to ‘private’ or ‘friends only’ to ensure only your connections are seeing posts

Share these tips with your teens and anyone else you’re traveling with who is on social media. Do you take any other precautions on social media? If so, please share in the comment field below. Happy (and safe) travels!

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Grilling Safety Tips

7/27/2015

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SANDVIK INSURANCE AGENCY GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
In the Midwest there’s two things almost all of us love about summer—enjoying the warm weather and grilling. In fact, July is peak grilling season followed closely by May, June and August and we all can agree there’s nothing better than the smell of food like burgers, salmon and ribs cooking on a grill.

This popular summer pastime can be dangerous – deadly, actually. Did you know grills cause thousands of fires, hundreds of injuries, dozens of deaths and millions of dollars in insurance claims annually? Before you fire up that grill for your next barbeque, take a look at these safety tips to ensure your next experience is safe.

1.    Be prepared — always read the owners’ manual and follow safety guidelines for your new grill (they’re usually available online if you no longer have a copy). Inspect the parts and accessories on a regular basis and do not use if there are leaks or cracks.

2.    Keep kids and pets far away — Kids and pets should never be near a hot grill, period. Their curious little minds can cause injury fast; it just takes a split second to get a severe burn. If you’re grilling at home, indoors is the safest place for them to be while an adult is grilling; if being indoors is not an option make sure they stay at least 20 to 30 feet away from the grill.

3.    Grease -- A grill plus grease equals a deadly concoction. It only takes a few cookouts for grease to collect and cause a flare-up—this is when grease or fat drips down into your coals and catches fire. Flare-ups are a normal part of grilling but can get out of hand fast and cause injury. To avoid flare-ups, regularly clean the grease catch pan, properly preheat your grill, use lean cuts of meat and don’t over oil or marinade your food.

4.    Charcoal — Use the proper starter fluid (reference your owners’ manual to identify the type) and store it away from children and heat sources. Never add starter fluid after the coals have been ignited.

5.    Propane -- Gas grills are becoming more popular and the #1 cause of fire with these types of grills is obstruction in the path of the fuel. Regularly inspect your tank and hose (remember: everything is extremely hot so wear proper protection). Bugs, dirt and even small animals can climb into your grill causing the gas to flow improperly.

6.    Watch the weather -- you never want to be outside during bad weather and grilling just increases your chance of injury. You may recall a few years ago when ESPN’s Hannah Storm was badly injured in a grill fire after wind blew out the flame and propane flooded her grill. She attempted to re-ignite it, causing an explosive fireball resulting in burns on her, neck, chest and hands. She is now an advocate for grill safety partnering with the National Protection Agency to tell her story. [embed link: http://www.nfpa.org/hannah ]

7.    Location — Always grill outside in a well-vented area away from trees, cars, houses and garages. A hot grill can easily cause severe burns, so never attempt to move it while it’s hot.

Please share these tips with family and friends. Do you have any additional safety tips? Share in the comment field below!

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Sandvik Insurance Agency Blog

Should You Pay for Rental Car Insurance?

Five Key Factors in Selecting a Worker's Compensation Carrier

Three Important Reasons to have Renters Insurance

Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks

Holiday Decoration Safety Tips

Avoiding Deer Collisions

Fire Safety Tips

Back - To - School Driving Tips

Social Media + Vacation Safety

Grilling Safety Tips

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