WinnSom Insurance Agency Blog

WinnSom Insurance Agency Bloghttp://www.winnsom.com/blog/View WinnSom Insurance Agency's Website Blogen-uspostmaster@www.winnsom.comInsurance Website Builder - www.insurancewebsitebuilder.comurn:uuid:ed4121d8-dee9-46b6-9530-ddd545b5e1b6urn:uuid:02f889c9-4a34-4c3a-a60e-24be94a37906Keeping Fido safe on the roadPet owners spend a whopping $40 billion on their furry friends each year. That’s enough to buy a gallon of gas for every man, woman and child in the United States … 44 times. Insurance companies haven’t always viewed pets with the...Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:57:28 -0600Pet owners spend a whopping $40 billion on their furry friends each year. That’s enough to buy a gallon of gas for every man, woman and child in the United States … 44 times. Insurance companies haven’t always viewed pets with the same passion as their owners. If you’re in an accident, generally everyone in the car - except your four-legged friend - is covered. The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies now recognizes Fido and Fifi as family members. A Progressive policy with Collision coverage now extends to cats and dogs. The coverage pays up to $500 if your dog or cat is hurt or dies as a result of a car accident. And, best of all, the coverage is free. “We know how much our customers love their dogs and cats. Many of us have pets, too, and we feel the same way,” said Geoff Souser of Progressive. “Progressive has a long history of product and service innovations that prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. Knowing that most people think of their pets as family members, it felt like the right thing to do.”   Progressive’s pet injury coverage is available in most states. To find out more, contact us at 718-874-9797.urn:uuid:dfe55adf-0bab-4f08-aee6-99d97f2d71c3Eight Tips For The Road AheadWhether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and...Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:33:50 -0600Whether you’re traveling alone, with a buddy or with your spouse and a car full of kids, there are few things more “American” than the long-distance road trip. Countless vacation travelers will drive the highways looking for fun and making memories with every mile. If traveling down the “holiday road” is in your plans, take the time to prepare for your trip. You’ll have a more enjoyable vacation if you plan carefully. Here are a few driving tips, courtesy of Winnsom Ins Agency: 1) Maintain your car. Make sure your vehicle is up to date on its maintenance schedule, and be sure to check the battery and tires. 2) Plan your trip and know where you’re going. Call ahead for proper and safe directions to get you to your destination safely and have maps of the area on hand to help you navigate once you are off the main road. You’re more likely to make good decisions, even in dangerous situations, if you’re clearheaded and know where you’re going. 3) Be alert. Seems obvious, but driver inattention is surely the cause of a lot of accidents. If you stay focused behind the wheel and plan carefully, you will have a wonderful summer road trip. 4) Take precaution with a cell phone. Cell phones can be a lifesaver when you need immediate access to emergency services after an accident. Keep your phone within easy reach and get to know its features. However, use it prudently. Reports suggest that driving while talking on the phone increases accident rates. 5) Wear your seat belt. Whether or not it’s required by law in the state through which you’re driving, always wear your seat belt as a safety precaution. 6) Protect your car against theft. Help deter criminals from taking your car with steering wheel locks, switches that disable fuel or ignition systems, and electronic tracking devices. 7) If you’re in an accident. Taking immediate steps if you’ve been in an accident can protect your family and your car from further damage. Stop immediately and make sure your car is not blocking traffic. Turn off your car to keep it from overheating or catching fire. Warn oncoming cars using road flares or orange triangle reflectors. After you have protected yourself and your family, call your insurance company immediately. 8) Make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Before you even leave the driveway, you want to be sure you’re protected when you’re on the road and far from home. An independent insurance agent or broker can provide the personal service and advice you need to travel in confidence. To learn more about what an independent insurance agency offers you, visit progressiveagent.com or contact WinnSom Ins Agencyurn:uuid:9402953c-0876-44b0-9e3a-d11f149c0e39Choosing the right vehicle insurance companyYour vehicles are the backbone that keeps your business up and running. So when it comes to insurance for those vehicles, make sure that you’re covered by an insurance company that fits your business needs – because the last thing you wan...Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:06:32 -0500Your vehicles are the backbone that keeps your business up and running. So when it comes to insurance for those vehicles, make sure that you’re covered by an insurance company that fits your business needs – because the last thing you want when you have a claim is to find out you have insufficient coverage. Coverages 1) Are all of my drivers covered, even if they’re not listed on my policy? Ask your insurance company what their policy is for covering employees who drive your business vehicles.  Some vehicle insurance companies will only extend coverage to drivers who are specifically named on the policy. So, every time you give the keys to one of your vehicles to a new driver, you would need to call your insurer and add them to the policy or else they wouldn’t be covered in case of an accident. Some insurers, like Progressive, allow "permissive use," which means that all of your drivers are covered as long as they have your permission to operate the vehicle. 2) Are my employees’ personal vehicles covered if they get into an accident while running a business errand? What about rental cars? In many cases, rental cars and employee vehicles aren’t covered under a standard commercial auto insurance policy. And if one of those vehicles is damaged in an accident, you could be liable. If your business often uses rental vehicles, or if you send employees on business errands in their personal vehicles, consider adding Hired Auto, Non-Owned Auto or Any Auto Coverage to your policy. 3) I’m a seasonal business and don’t need full coverage in my off months.  Can I move to a Comprehensive-only policy in slow months? Absolutely. A Comprehensive-only policy provides coverage for businesses that don’t need liability coverage during certain months, but want basic protection against incidents, such as vandalism, theft, falling tree branches, hail, etc. This is ideal for vehicles that sit for long periods during off-season. Plus, a Comprehensive-only policy provides continuous insurance. If you were to drop your insurance completely, you might pay significantly more to purchase a new policy when your peak season rolls around because most insurance companies want to see proof of continuous coverage. 4) What can you recommend to increase the safety of my drivers and to lower my premiums? Many larger independent agents that specialize in fleets can recommend driver training programs specifically designed for your industry.  These programs can help increase the safety of your drivers and, in some cases, lower your insurance premium.   Claims 5) What kind of service can I expect if I have a claim? Find out how quickly, on average, your insurer resolves claims. The faster they take care of your claim, the faster you can get your vehicle back to work. One thing that can affect turnaround time is whether your insurer uses full-, part-time or contract claims adjusters. Some companies use part-time or contract adjusters to handle commercial vehicle claims, which can slow down the process.  Progressive handles 100 percent of commercial vehicle insurance claims, even heavy trucks, with its own staff of in-house commercial insurance experts, making sure claims are processed faster than other insurers that outsource this work.<ins cite="mailto:A084453" datetime="2010-08-20T10:26"> </ins> 6) When I have a claim, is there anything I can do to get my vehicle back on the road quickly? Even if the accident isn’t your fault, report the claim to your insurance company as soon as possible. They can work with the insurance company of the at-fault driver to help resolve the claim and get your vehicles repaired quickly. Additionally, carry an accident information kit in each of your vehicles to make it easy for your drivers to capture insurance, driver and witness information following an accident. Most fleet safety companies and local agents have these readily available. Customer Service 7) Do you provide help with state and federal filings? Some commercial auto insurers won’t cover vehicles that require filings, while others simply don’t have the capability to help you get the filings your business needs.   Insurers like Progressive can leverage their truck insurance expertise to provide customers with filings assistance, which can save you time. 8) Do you offer 24/7 service? Many insurance companies are only available during regular office hours, which can make filing a claim, adding a vehicle to your policy<ins cite="mailto:A084453" datetime="2010-08-20T10:30">,</ins> and paying bills inconvenient. Before you buy, check with your insurance company to make sure they’re available when you need them. 9) Will you shop my policy on a regular basis? Although it’s easier to stay with the same insurance company than shop around for new coverages, ask your agent to regularly quote your policy with other carriers to make sure that you’re getting the best deal. In addition to vehicle insurance, you may need a wider range of additional coverages to protect your business, from general liability to workers’ compensation. While it might be easier to buy all of these products from the same company, you could save big bucks by buying your policies from separate providers. 10) What are my payment plan options? Do I have to pay my entire premium up front? Some insurers have significant finance charges associated with their bill plans or don’t offer flexible payment schedules. Look for companies that offer flexible pay plans, including low initial payments and no finance charges. For example, Progressive offers plans that start with as little as 8.3 percent down.urn:uuid:9b322b39-6eec-49f6-81ef-4eafb6ea8cc2Twelve Ways to Save Money on your InsuranceMost insurance companies offer discounts that can put money in your pocket. Your Professional Insurance Agent can explain what discounts companies offer and whether you are eligible. Here are some ideas: Higher is Lower. You can reduce the price of y...Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:39:25 -0500Most insurance companies offer discounts that can put money in your pocket. Your Professional Insurance Agent can explain what discounts companies offer and whether you are eligible. Here are some ideas: Higher is Lower. You can reduce the price of your insurance by raising your deductibles. But first, decide how much deductible you can afford to pay if you have a claim. Age Before Beauty. Consider reducing or dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if you have an older car. No matter how bad the damage, your policy only pays for the car's cash value. You may throw money away if you keep paying premiums on a car that costs more to repair than your policy will reimburse. Keep It Clean. A good driving record can help keep your rates down. This means no accidents when you're at fault and no moving violations. If your record is clean, insurers may charge you less. You may also have more companies to choose from if you're a good driver. Premiums On Premium Cars. You may pay more if you buy a new car, a sports car, a luxury model or a car that's easily damaged. Know how much you want to spend on insurance before you buy the car. Ask your agent for advice. A Family of Policies. You may get a discount by insuring all your family cars on one policy. You can also save by having your cars and home insured with the same company. Unlock Savings. Some insurance companies will give you a discount if your car has anti-lock brakes. Come Up For Air. Airbags and automatic seatbelts could mean a discount.  Drive Less, Save More. Do you carpool to work, use mass transit, or leave your car in the garage most of the time? If so, you may get a discount. To Forgive Is Divine. Some companies won't raise your rate for your first accident when you're at fault if your driving record is clean for several years. Ask about "accident forgiveness." Make Thieves Grieve. You may qualify for a discount if you make your car theft-proof. Install a hood lock or alarm. Add an anti-theft device that keeps your car from being "hot-wired" or one that will emit a radio tracking signal to assist in recovery if the car is stolen. Making The Grade. High school or college students may receive a discount for good grades. Driver's Ed Pays. Some companies offer lower  premiums for young drivers who pass a state-approved driver's education course. At WinnSom we want you to know about your insurance 347-624-9232 <a href="http://www.winnsom.com/">http://www.winnsom.com</a>urn:uuid:3683d7a5-9562-49e2-aa74-fe33b68ad9bdWant to save money on your auto insurance?You may be eligible for premium discounts on your auto insurance policy for front-seat passive restraints anti-lock brakes anti-theft devices completing a defensive driving course good student status (for young drivers) car pools air bags low annual...Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:24:07 -0500You may be eligible for premium discounts on your auto insurance policy for <ul> <li>front-seat passive restraints</li> <li>anti-lock brakes</li> <li>anti-theft devices</li> <li>completing a defensive driving course</li> <li>good student status (for young drivers)</li> <li>car pools</li> <li>air bags</li> <li>low annual mileage</li></ul>Check with us to find out how you may be able to save money on your auto insurance. For professional advice, contact us at 718-523-2083 or 347-624-9232 At winnsom, your insurance is our business. <a href="http://www.winnsom.com">http://www.winnsom.com</a>urn:uuid:671d69a9-fa0e-44dc-8410-4acc71fa6c66Owners Torch Cars For Cash great article on cnn.com http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/24/torching-cars-for-cash/ Save on your insurance premium today 718-874-9797 www.winnsom.com Your insurance is our businessWed, 24 Jun 2009 10:55:58 -0500 great article on cnn.com <a href="http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/24/torching-cars-for-cash/">http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2009/06/24/torching-cars-for-cash/</a> Save on your insurance premium today 718-874-9797 www.winnsom.com Your insurance is our businessurn:uuid:04056189-25cf-470a-b1c8-6b57fa477908Take the PollYour feed back will be very much appreciated.  We need your help in providing great and personable customer services.http://polls.linkedin.com/p/36631/yjlnnThanks for your response.718-523-2083347-624-9232WinnSom Ins. AgencyYour insura...Fri, 29 May 2009 08:13:05 -0500Your feed back will be very much appreciated.  We need your help in providing great and personable customer services. <a href="http://polls.linkedin.com/p/36631/yjlnn">http://polls.linkedin.com/p/36631/yjlnn</a> Thanks for your response. 718-523-2083 347-624-9232 WinnSom Ins. Agency Your insurance is our business <a href="http://www.winnsom.com/">http://www.winnsom.com</a> urn:uuid:3ba5c53e-b2c1-4f51-81cf-b17f3da62017WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, WHO PAYS?I thought I did share this with you, great article from the new york times.http://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/13/realestate/when-disaster-strikes-who-pays.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=allAt winnsom your insurance is our business, we want you to kno...Tue, 12 May 2009 13:21:14 -0500I thought I did share this with you, great article from the new york times. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/13/realestate/when-disaster-strikes-who-pays.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all">http://www.nytimes.com/1983/02/13/realestate/when-disaster-strikes-who-pays.html?sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all</a> At winnsom your insurance is our business, we want you to know about the insurance you are buying. 866-998-6392 of visit us online at www.winnsom.com Don't wait for the apartment fires, leaks, or any type of misfortune to happen.. Invest in your property. Best Regards, Winnie Somuah Account Managerurn:uuid:948a6887-1b4f-4a65-a71b-57d9cb0b8159Business Owners PolicyProduct Summary Many small business owners buy a type of insurance coverage called a Business Owner's Policy. This is a package policy that covers major property and liability exposures as well as a loss of income if your business cannot operate for ...Fri, 01 May 2009 08:29:19 -0500<h2 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">Product Summary</h2> <div>Many small business owners buy a type of insurance coverage called a Business Owner's Policy. This is a package policy that covers major property and liability exposures as well as a loss of income if your business cannot operate for a period of time.</div> <div>For example, if your accounting firm's roof is damaged during a thunderstorm, causing your office to flood and your business to close for two months, a BOP would provide coverage in several ways.</div> <div>The policy would cover the cost of repairing the roof, cleaning up water damage and repairing or replacing your furniture, computers and supplies. A BOP also would cover your payroll and taxes for the two months the business was closed. And if one of your clients was in your office during the storm and was injured by falling debris, a BOP would cover your customer's medical bills.</div> <div>Buying a BOP can be a good deal for a business owner. The policies often provide more complete coverage at a lower price than separate policies would for each kind of coverage.</div> <h3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">What's Covered?</h3> <div>A BOP covers major property exposures, liability exposures and business interruption.</div> <div>Property coverage generally includes owned or leased buildings; the contents of buildings, such as furniture, supplies, fixtures, machinery, equipment, inventory and building improvements; glass and signs; and some property off of the premises.</div> <div>Property insurance can be bought based on the property's actual cash value (its replacement cost minus depreciation), its current replacement cost or another agreed-upon amount, such as an appraisal.</div> <div>Liability insurance covers your business if it is sued for something the business did or failed to do that caused injury or property damage to someone else. Liability insurance covers damages and settlements stemming from a lawsuit, up to the policy limits. Many liability policies also cover attorneys' fees and other costs associated with defending against a lawsuit.</div> <div>Business interruption coverage can pay for your business' fixed costs, such as rent, payroll and taxes, if your enterprise suffers a property loss that causes it to close or slow down for a period of time while repairs are made.</div> <h3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">What Isn't Covered?</h3> <div>Usually a BOP doesn't cover damage due to earthquakes or floods; workers' compensation; group health, life or disability insurance; insurance for company-owned vehicles; and specialized liability risks such as professional liability, director's and officers, employment practices and malpractice.</div> <h3 style="MARGIN: auto 0in">What Affects the Cost of the Policy?</h3> <div><a href="https://www.insurancenoodle.com/products/saveMoney.asp" target=_blank>How to save money on your policy</a></div> <div>Insurers use rating formulas to determine the policy premium. For a BOP, insurers consider several factors, including the type and location of the business; the building's age, construction material and security features such as alarms and sprinklers; the business' claims history; and the business' financial stability and management team. Rates also vary depending on a policy's coverage limit. At Winnsom; we want you to know about the insurance you are buying. 347-624-9232</div>urn:uuid:e4b77798-e7db-4e3f-9ccf-684767f354ceNew York state supplementary uninsured/underinsureNew York state supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage Why doesn’t everyone have the higher liability limits that I have on my policy? You may have had an altruistic concern for people injured by your auto when you chose your liabili...Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:06:16 -0500New York state supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage Why doesn’t everyone have the higher liability limits that I have on my policy? You may have had an altruistic concern for people injured by your auto when you chose your liability limits, but most people choose limits based upon the following two considerations: 1. their perceived need for financial security when sued by someone else; and 2. the cost of increasing their limits.  What New York state law requires of motorists Provided that New York state insurance applies to an at-fault person’s vehicle, you can anticipate compensation for your injuries up to the following statutory minimum amounts: • $25,000 for one person injured; and $50,000 in aggregate for all persons injured. • $50,000 for one person killed; and $100,000 in aggregate for all persons killed. One-out-of-four vehicles insured in New York state will have these minimum limits. The other 75 percent may or may not maintain limits comparable to yours. In fact, some of these vehicles have no insurance at all.  What is SUM? Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage pays what you should have been able to collect from the motorist(s) responsible for the injuries you suffer in an automobile accident. You can select a SUM limit that gives you the financial security for which you are looking. The limit you choose, which cannot be higher than your own liability limit, is your maximum benefit. Up to this limit, your policy will pay your damages that exceed the amount received from at-fault motorists and/or their insurance companies. Subject to your own liability limit, your insurance company must offer you SUM limits as high as $250,000 for one person injured, and $500,000 in aggregate for all persons injured in the accident; or alternatively, a single $500,000 limit, payable regardless of the number of persons injured. In order to activate SUM coverage, any one of the following six conditions must pertain to the insurance of the motorist who is responsible for your injuries: 1. no insurance exists; 2. the owner and operator of the vehicle are unknown (hit and run); 3. insurance exists, but its liability limits are lower than your liability limits; 4. insurance exists, but its limits have been used up to pay others injured in the accident; 5. insurance exists, but it is unavailable because the claim was denied by the insurance company; or 6. insurance exists, but it is unavailable because the insurance company is insolvent.  Example Let’s assume you purchased a per-person SUM limit of $100,000 on your policy. Later, you were injured by a motorist having a minimum-limit liability policy, making $25,000 the most you could collect for your injuries. Now, if your damages are $60,000, then you could collect $25,000 from the motorist at fault and $35,000 under SUM coverage from your insurance company. • If the negligent motorist had no insurance, then your SUM coverage would pay all $60,000 in damages. • Had your damages been higher, an additional $40,000 would have been available before using up your entire SUM limit.  Why not just make everyone buy higher limits? Some motorists simply could not afford the higher premiums imposed, if statutory limits were raised for all motorists. Unfortunately, there are some motorists that defy the law and drive without insurance, regardless of the cost. Legislators reasoned that it is better to have underinsured motorists on the road than to have an increase in uninsured motorists. Also, they felt the financial burden should be placed on those motorists who desire greater protection and have the means to pay for it. Protect yourself If you desire more protection for you and your family and can afford a very reasonable increase in premium, then don’t leave your financial welfare to chance when an accident is caused by an uninsured or underinsured motorist. After all, you should be compensated to the same extent that a person you injure is compensated. Your professional insurance agent can remove the gamble and put you in control of your own protection. Call or write for information today. This is a coverage summary. Please refer to the actual endorsement for terms, coverage, condition and exclusions. www.winnsom.com  WinnSom Your Professional Insurance Agent…We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.urn:uuid:e5da8167-00a9-4c16-a298-30cf6219076eGeneral Liability InsuranceProduct SummaryCommercial General Liability (GL) coverage can be either a stand-alone “monoline” policy or combined with other coverages to form a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or a Commercial Package Policy. The basic areas covered by a General Liabi...Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:45:52 -0500Product Summary Commercial General Liability (GL) coverage can be either a stand-alone “monoline” policy or combined with other coverages to form a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or a Commercial Package Policy. The basic areas covered by a General Liability policy are premises liability, Products and Completed Operations Liability, Personal and Advertising Injury, Fire Legal Liability and Medical Expenses.  What's Covered? A GL policy covers occurrences of bodily injury and property damages that the insured is legally obligated to pay. Liability insurance covers the business if it is sued for something the business did or failed to do that caused injury or property damage to someone else. Liability insurance covers damages and settlements stemming from a lawsuit, up to the policy limits. General Liability policies also cover attorneys' fees and other costs associated with defending against a lawsuit.  GL policies generally cover the insured's ownership or use of the premises, operations, contractual agreements, products made, sold or distributed, completed operations, personal and advertising injury and medical payments. Medical Payments cover reasonable medical expenses, regardless of fault, for bodily injury.  What Isn't Covered? Workers' Compensation is not included in a GL policy. Liability resulting from manufacturing, selling, distributing or serving liquor is excluded. The GL policy covers Host Liquor Liability for insureds who are not in the business of manufacturing, selling, distributing or serving liquor. Other common exclusions on GL policies include pollution, aircraft, automobiles, watercraft and product recall.  What Affects the Cost of the Policy? The premium is based on a variety of factors, depending on the types of coverage forms included in the policy. The size of the insured's operations and the inherent risk of the products will affect the premium. We want you to know about the insurance you are buying. winnSom Ins. Agency 347-624-9232 www.winnsom.com Your insurance is our businessurn:uuid:14fd435b-7581-4624-bca7-0c063be92cd7Covered for losses under my landlord’s HO PolicyAffordable insurance for renters I rent my home. Am I covered for losses under my landlord’s homeowners insurance? No. Your landlord cannot insure your personal property—your personal computer, clothes, stereo, television, jewelry, furniture, bicycle...Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:02:26 -0500Affordable insurance for renters I rent my home. Am I covered for losses under my landlord’s homeowners insurance? No. Your landlord cannot insure your personal property—your personal computer, clothes, stereo, television, jewelry, furniture, bicycle, artwork and other items—against destruction or loss. Renters insurance, however, will give you both property and liability insurance—and it’s very affordable, typically costing less per month than a cable bill.  Is a renters insurance policy inferior to a homeowners insurance policy?  No. Renters insurance provides essentially the same coverage as homeowners insurance, but without coverage on the dwelling. It covers personal property, protecting the renter against many causes of loss, such as fire and smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and water damage from plumbing.  Does renters insurance cover all of my possessions? It depends. Some possessions—jewelry, firearms, silverware—are subject to a per-category theft limit. Most renters policies set a $1,500 total limit on jewelry that is stolen, a $2,500 limit on firearms and a $2,500 limit on silverware or flatware. Other items—money, securities, personal records, watercraft and others—are subject to special limits of liability. If your valuables exceed these limits, you may want to consider purchasing a “floater,” which provides additional coverage for some of your items. What if my family and I cannot live in our home because of damage caused by a fire? Your renters insurance will pay for your living expenses that exceed those normally incurred before the loss, if an occurrence renders your home or apartment unfit to live in. This is a true benefit if you are required to live in a hotel for any length of time or pay for meals at a restaurant while your place is being renovated.  Will I be covered under my renters insurance if I am sued by someone who was seriously injured at my residence? Yes. If a lawsuit covered by your policy is filed against you or against a relative living with you, your personal liability coverage under a renters policy will pay for legal defense costs and attorneys’ fees. It will  protect you if you accidentally cause bodily injury to others or damage someone else’s property either at your residence or away from your residence.  OK—I’m convinced. What should I be on the lookout for in selecting a policy or in checking my existing coverage? When purchasing renters insurance, choose a policy wisely to be sure that all your possessions are covered. To begin, renters should take a home inventory, noting the description and value of their belongings. A copy of this inventory should be stored in a safe place outside of the home, such as a safe-deposit box. The inventory will be of great assistance later if you need to file a claim. Also, be sure to inquire about property not covered under renters insurance, theft limits and other special limits. We’ll provide you with a list of standard coverage limits, so you know whether you’ll need to buy a floater. If your apartment or home has a security system, smoke detectors or deadbolt locks, you may be eligible for discounts on your renters insurance. Call us today—we’ll be happy to explain the many options available to you. Your Professional Insurance Agent…We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying. www.winnsom.com 718-523-2083 / 347-624-9232urn:uuid:f903e6c6-6fec-4961-a0a9-b363f4c9e750Enjoy your summer without getting burnedSummer is a carefree time when most of us are thinking about fun in the sun with our families—swimming, barbecuing, camping or boating. You may not realize it also is an important time to remember fire safety guidelines that will keep you and your fa...Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:14:05 -0500Summer is a carefree time when most of us are thinking about fun in the sun with our families—swimming, barbecuing, camping or boating. You may not realize it also is an important time to remember fire safety guidelines that will keep you and your family enjoying the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. Can my barbecue grill pose a threat? Yes! Keep your grill far from anything that can burn—your house, car or dry vegetation. Be sure you stay with the grill while it is lit and take care to keep children and pets away from the area. If you’re operating the grill for the cookout, be sure you are wearing a heavy apron and oven mitts to keep yourself safe from burns. If you’re using a gas grill, always store the fuel container outdoors and turn off the valves when not in use. Check frequently for leaks in connections by using a soap and water mixture that will show bubbles if gas escapes. For charcoal grills, only use starter fluids designed for grills and only use a limited amount. If the fire is too slow, rekindle with dry kindling and add more charcoal, if necessary. Don’t add liquid fuel to reignite or build up a fire. Soak the coals with water before you discard them and leave the grill away from the house until completely cool. What is the safest way to store gasoline? Store gasoline outside the home, preferably in a locked, detached shed. Make sure it is kept in a container approved for gasoline storage and is labeled clearly. Keep the container away from any heat source or flame. Are there any fire safety issues I should know about while boating? Boating can be a fun, relaxing—and safe—activity for the entire family when observing certain safety guidelines. Before fueling your boat, make sure to extinguish smoking materials and shut down all motors, fans and heating devices. Don’t fill the tank to capacity—leave room for expansion. Wipe up all fuel spills immediately and check the bilge for fuel leakage and odors. Ventilate the area for five minutes before starting the motor. If you have a covered boat, consider installing a smoke detector and testing it before each trip in the boat. Be sure to only use portable stoves and heaters specifically designed for marine use. What fire safety issues should I keep in mind while camping? Many families enjoy the tradition of a yearly camping trip. Because these events often occur in wooded areas, and many people are focused on fun rather than safety, they can pose a real danger in terms of fire. There is much you can do to keep your family safe during your next camping trip. Build your campfire downwind, clearing away all dry vegetation and digging a pit surrounded by rocks. Store liquid fire starter—never gasoline—away from your tent and campfire and use only dry kindling to freshen a campfire, not liquid fuel. Pitch your flame-retardant tent well away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent. Not only can liquid-fueled heaters and lanterns pose a fire threat, they also can pose the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, be sure not to permit anyone to smoke inside a tent. Fully extinguish your fire.                                                                                                             718-523-2083/347-624-9232                                                                                                             <a href="http://www.winnsom.com/">www.winnsom.com</a>                                                                                                             csr@awinnsom.com Your insurance is our business.urn:uuid:b395c9d0-03eb-4b1d-955f-3c87915a20b4Excuses for not having renters insurance?“It costs too much.” “I don’t own anything valuable enough to insure.” “I didn’t know renters could buy insurance.” “I’m covered by my landlord’s policy.” “I’ll never be sued.” Don’t think you own enough to worry about? Think again! How much money do...Thu, 02 Apr 2009 13:45:29 -0500“It costs too much.” “I don’t own anything valuable enough to insure.” “I didn’t know renters could buy insurance.” “I’m covered by my landlord’s policy.” “I’ll never be sued.” Don’t think you own enough to worry about? Think again! How much money do you have saved to replace your clothes, shoes, furniture and stereo equipment if there was a fire in your building tonight? Landlords cannot insure your personal belongings under their insurance policy—only you can buy a policy. And if someone is injured while visiting you at your apartment, you can be held liable. Find out about low-cost, worry-free renters insurance today. WinnSom Ins. Agency: Your professional insurance agent Contact US: 718-523-2083 Your insurance is our business urn:uuid:a90419a8-25d8-4662-bc05-8b88f2ea82e9April showers...could bring serious flood damage. During spring, thawing snow and heavy rains can cause serious flood damage. Your standard homeowners policy may not cover flood damage. A separate flood insurance policy could pay for removing your home’s contents, sandbagging to reduce flood da...Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:39:51 -0500During spring, thawing snow and heavy rains can cause serious flood damage. Your standard homeowners policy may not cover flood damage. A separate flood insurance policy could pay for removing your home’s contents, sandbagging to reduce flood damage, repairing flood damage and rebuilding, clearing away mud and debris, and replacing personal belongings. Work with our agency to assess your flood insurance needs. For professional insurance advice, contact us 718-523-2083  Member of PIA <a href="http://www.winnsom.com/">www.winnsom.com</a>  Your insurance is our business: we want you to know about your insurance. urn:uuid:91c3f8cf-d74e-478a-8175-e1ecadfff357Go with the ProThe Independent insurance agent Purchasing insurance can be an expensive proposition, especially if you don’t get proper counseling before you choose your coverages. You need to talk to a professional trained in advising you on the financial implicat...Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:07:24 -0500The Independent insurance agent Purchasing insurance can be an expensive proposition, especially if you don’t get proper counseling before you choose your coverages. You need to talk to a professional trained in advising you on the financial implications of your choices: whether you’ve got the right kind of protection; whether you have enough insurance—or even too much; whether you have any serious gaps in your coverage; or whether you qualify for any discounts. Professional counseling, personal service This is the kind of expertise you get when you deal one-on-one with our agency. We can evaluate your unique circumstances and then tailor coverages to meet your specific needs. Unlike “captive” agents who represent one insurance company, we work for you, the client, and can shop for insurance through many insurance companies to get you the best coverage at the best price. Unlike direct-sale companies whose service representatives sell one company’s product via phone, mail or the Internet, we will counsel you personally—no long-distance phone call or mail survey can top the service that comes from dealing face-to-face with a professional agent. And unlike financial institutions such as banks, we specialize in insurance sales and service—it’s not a peripheral product you might feel obligated to buy to secure a loan. Your Professional Insurance Agent…We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying. www.winnsom.com Your Insurance is our business.urn:uuid:570fd751-a216-411a-9352-6530693f13fdFlood Insurance - It Can happen to youIf your car is washed away in a flood, its loss likely will be covered by your auto policy. But, did you know that if your home is damaged in the same flood, it won’t be covered by your homeowners’ insurance? Our agency wants you to know, before it’s...Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:31:04 -0500If your car is washed away in a flood, its loss likely will be covered by your auto policy. But, did you know that if your home is damaged in the same flood, it won’t be covered by your homeowners’ insurance? Our agency wants you to know, before it’s too late – flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners policy, farm owners or business owners policy.  You cannot plan for a flood. You can only know that, should it happen to you, it could devastate you home, our family and everything you’ve worked so hard to acquire, and take steps to protect yourself.. Let us help. Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowners, farm owners or business owners policy. In fact, nearly all insurance policies specifically exclude damages from flooding. Fortunately, flood insurance is available through the federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program and some specialty programs. The NFIP. As long as your locality participates in the program, NFIP coverage can be purchased through our agency. Call us today! We will help you explore your options. Separate coverages apply to buildings and contents. Coverage up to $250,000 is available for residential buildings, and up to $100,000 for contents. Coverage for farm buildings and other nonresidential buildings, as well as separate coverage for their contents are available in limits of up to $500,000. Both property owners and renters are eligible for this coverage. All policies are subject to exclusions. What this year could bring. While experts have not yet compiled detailed predictions for the 2009 hurricane season, the consensus seems to be that the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast are in for a return to high activity. "Tropical Storm Risk, a London-based consortium of weather, insurance and risk-management experts forecast an active 2009 season—up to 15 tropical storms, including eight hurricanes, with four of them intense. Meanwhile, floods can happen anytime, for any number of reasons" At WinnSom Ins. Agency your insurance is our businessurn:uuid:a0e72d40-fcae-4efd-819d-c1c2e14e401cWhat happens when you file insurance claims?What happens then? Whenever you talk with anyone regarding the accident, take detailed notes. Record the time, date, name of the person and what you discussed. Include all decisions or promises made. Keep our agency fully informed, and furnish us wit...Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:55:19 -0500What happens then? Whenever you talk with anyone regarding the accident, take detailed notes. Record the time, date, name of the person and what you discussed. Include all decisions or promises made. Keep our agency fully informed, and furnish us with copies of any documents you send or receive. Save all receipts. Your auto insurance policy may cover incidentals such as car rental or a hotel room if your accident occurs out of town. Check with our agency for specific details of your policy. Cooperate fully with any insurance company employees who may contact you for further information. Generally, there are three methods used in handling auto accident claims: • you will be asked to drive the car to a drive-in claims center, where an adjuster will inspect your car and issue an estimate of damages; or • you will be asked to take the vehicle to several body shops for estimates, and then turn the estimates over to the adjuster; or • your insurance carrier will contact an adjuster to review your case and expedite your claim. Get the adjuster’s name, address and the name of the firm. If an adjuster has not contacted you within 10 days, notify us.  When reviewing an estimate with the adjuster, find out if the damaged parts can be repaired or replaced. Determine whether the estimate is for original manufacturer or third-party parts, and if that type of part is covered by the terms of your policy. After you have received authorization to repair your car, make an appointment with a reputable repair shop. Ask how long the job should take and find out if the needed parts are in stock. If the cost of the repairs exceeds the estimate, ask the shop to notify the adjuster for authorization. And remember, you’re not in this alone. We are trained and willing to help you with every step in this process. WinnSom: Your Professional Insurance Agent…We want you to know about the insurance you’re buying.   Your Insurance is our business