No one puts "insurance claim" on their holiday wish list. Most would rate this item right below a lump of coal. Yet, due to a lack of safety measures, this is what many people get.
Accidents and fires related to decorations are fairly common during the holiday season, but they are avoidable with the proper precautions. Avoid holiday hazards and enjoy a claim-free season with these tips:
Trim the tree with care: Will you be using a real tree? Keep it stable and hydrated with a large, non-tipping tree stand that holds water. Place the tree away from heating ducts, doorways, and busy areas. Well-placed and well-watered, your tree will stay fire- and accident-free for the season.
Keep your cords nice, not naughty: Exercise caution when working with electricity. Don't overload your outlets. Use extension cords sparingly. Check flickering lights. Immediately replace those with loose connections or corroded sockets.
Be cautious with candles: Candles add ambiance and appeal to your space, but they can also cause devastation. Keep them away from flammable materials. Never leave them burning unattended. If you don't want to worry about extinguishing candles before leaving or going to bed, consider using the flameless ones this year.
Don't fall for outdoor lighting: Yes, your roofline may look great with perfectly strung lights, but don't risk your life to get them up there. Use proper safety measures and products designed for outdoor use.
Take the time to do décor right. Be happy, healthy, and, most of all, wise this holiday season. |
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| | | This 3-Step Process Could Save Your Business Money in 2018 | | | Have you listed your upcoming New Year's resolutions? Here's one suggestion that business owners may want to add to their resolution list - review your business insurance policies.
It may help boost your bottom line in 2018.
The end of the year is a good time to review your policies in light of the events of the previous year. A quick evaluation of your coverage could help you save next year. And who doesn't want that? Here are the steps to take:
Step 1. Review your business: What changes have you made this year, if any? Has your business grown? Have you altered any policies that could affect your insurance? Did you add or remove vehicles, employees, or facilities?
Step 2. Make a list: Make a list of any changes that will affect your business going forward. Note any new procedures you put into effect this year, as well as any you will be enacting in 2018. Write down any questions you have about your coverage.
Step 3. Contact your Agent: With your list in hand, contact your insurance agent. He or she will help you review your current policies to determine if they are still the best options for your business. For example, you may have made changes that will reduce your premiums, or you may be eligible for new discounts.
This easy process will ensure you have the appropriate coverage and could help you save significantly on your 2018 business insurance. And saving money is one of the best resolutions you can make. |
| | | Trivial Pursuits: Why Do We All Love Trivia So Much? |  |
In 1979, two Scrabble lovers, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, decided to create their own game - Trivial Pursuit. And the rest is game history: Trivial Pursuit sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and earned more than a billion dollars. Because, as Haney and Abbott knew, everyone is fascinated with factoids.
Why people find these tiny bits of useless information so endlessly fascinating is anyone's guess. Some experts believe the attraction comes from a competitive need to demonstrate superior intelligence. Some attribute it to a curious mind. Others believe it's considered a method of brain training. And still others believe it's just great entertainment.
In fact, trivia games are also good for us. Great bonding activities, trivia competitions also make people happy and reduce stress hormones. Notes Allquizquestions.com: "It enhances our focus, learning and thinking abilities." Whatever the reason, as The Point Magazine points out: "Quizzing, sometimes referred to as 'trivia,' has been a part of popular culture for many decades." In the 1940s and '50s, for example, families gathered around their radio to hear The Quiz Kids - five super-bright youngsters who answered audience - submitted questions.
With the arrival of TV, "The $64,000 Question" and other trivia-based contests filled much-needed programming space. The public loved them.
And people still do. The wildly popular trivia show "Jeopardy!" was introduced in 1964 and became one of the longest-running TV game shows ever. And as game-show authority Steve Beverly told CNN Entertainment, it's "still the best mental exercise on television." I'll take Trivia for $200, Alex... |
| | | Throwing a Holiday Party? Check Your Insurance | | | You're planning a holiday bash. You have a checklist that covers every detail from decorations to desserts.
You feel ready for the big event, but did you remember to look into insurance for the party? Do you have proper coverage for your festivities?
It's something many party hosts overlook. When you're putting on an event, it's important to consider your own liability and ensure the proper policies are in place. Your homeowners' policy may have limitations that mean it could be inadequate for what you're planning. Depending on the size of your event, you may want to consider taking out an umbrella policy or special event insurance.
Your options
Your home insurance policy typically includes liability coverage. If someone is injured at your party, this coverage will kick in to pay for the associated expenses. However, if several people are injured, it may not provide sufficient coverage. Your options are to increase the limits on your home insurance policy or add an umbrella policy to expand the coverage. Often, it's more cost-effective to add the umbrella than to increase your limits. Consult with your insurance agent to determine your best option.
A third possibility is to obtain event insurance. This can help protect you against accidents and provide cancellation coverage. If someone is injured at your party, event insurance liability coverage will help pay for expenses, and if you have to cancel caterers, entertainment, or photographers, it can help with this as well.
As you review your options with your insurance professional, consider the location of the event, the number of attendees, the activities taking place at the party, and your current coverage. These details will help you determine if your current homeowners' policy is sufficient or if you need to make changes.
And with this item checked off your list, you'll be better prepared to sit back and enjoy the party yourself. |
| WANTED - Korean and WWII Veterans! | | |  Do you have a loved one in South Florida that is a Korean or WWII veteran? If so, please contact us.
In association with Honor Flights, there are some upcoming opportunities to honor these brave people, even if they are physically unable to travel. |
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