Tips

Boating season is upon us, and you’re ready to get out on the water. Each boat owner’s circumstances are unique, so ask a Mel Foster Insurance agent to compare options from several national companies to find you the best policy to fit your needs.

What Factors Are Involved In Determining Coverage?

Your agent will gather various details to decide what insurance coverage is appropriate for each boat owner. Some key factors considered are:

• How long you’ve owned your boat
• Age and value of the boat
• Speed/horsepower of the boat
• Type of boat (inboard, outboard, utility, cruiser, bass, performance)
• Driving record and boat safety education certifications 

How And Where Will The Boat Be Used?

It’s essential to know how and where the boat will be used when determining proper insurance coverage. A boat operated for recreation on the lake has different policy specifications than a boat utilized by a commercial fisherman heading to work on the river each day.

Why Is Coverage Important?

Having a boat insurance policy in place can protect you in a variety of situations. Not only will proper coverage help if the boat is stolen or damaged by collision with rocks or logs, but insurance can also help if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property with your boat. Most states don’t require boaters to purchase insurance, but many marinas require some form of insurance if you wish to use a slip on their property. Additionally, your bank will require insurance if you are financing the boat purchase.

Find more insurance tips for home, auto or recreational vehicles.

Your car needs spring maintenance just like your house does. As we ease out of a tough Midwest winter season, your vehicle could use some tender love and care. Consider maintenance steps to ensure your wheels are ready to roll this spring.

Check Alignment and Rotate Tires

Most of us drove through a pothole or two this winter, and the car’s alignment and suspension are likely imbalanced because of it. Schedule an appointment with your favorite car service company and have the tires rotated and alignment evaluated to confirm the car is safe and secure.

Do A Deep Clean

According to the homeowners’ information website, Angie’s List, leftover salt can be your car’s most damaging remnant of the winter season. Undercarriages, where the metal can rust, endure the biggest hit when they don’t get a deep clean. Take the vehicle to a professional car wash to eliminate salt, so your car has a clean slate this spring. And don’t forget the inside of the car. A quality interior detailing will extend the life of your carpet and mats and will rid your vehicle of those dropped French fries that you just can’t reach between the seat and the console.

Car Part and Safety Upkeep

The emergency kit in the trunk may need some items swapped out after the long winter. Verify that your flashlight batteries are good, replace the flares used, and make sure you still have your jumper cables. Change windshield wipers that don’t quite keep the windows clear and fill your washer fluid.

Test The Battery

Brutal winters with low temps can take a toll on your car battery. Many places like AutoZone offer free battery testing and charging so you know how much battery life is left. Prepare now for the upcoming road trip, so you aren’t stuck on the side of the road this spring or summer.

 1.  Power Failure

• The most common cause for sump failure is an electrical power outage.
• Prevent this by having a back-up generator that can be manually activated.  Also, protect a potential power surge with a service entrance surge protection device.

2. The Sump Pump is the Wrong Size

• Incorrect sized pump will likely cause a failure.
• Too big – pump works too hard and shortens the lifespan, too small – same problem.

3. Improper Installation

• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.  Read all the do’s and don’ts of installing a sump pump.

4. Lack of Maintenance

• Check your manufacturer recommendations.

5. Frozen or Clogged Discharge Lines

• Keep the discharge pipe from freezing and free of any kind of debris.
• There is a special grated discharge line attachment that can be added to help prevent this.

6. Product Defect

• Always test after installation to make sure the sump pump is working properly.

7. Switch Problems

• Your sump pump relies on both the switch and float arm to work properly.

Source:  Werner Restoration Inc.     Photo Credit:  i.stockphoto.com

Winter weather creates additional risks with potential financial impacts on your business property. Consider a few weather-related issues that can arise thanks to good ‘ole Jack Frost and suggestions to mitigate risk.

Protect Pipes From Freezing

Frozen pipes are common during the winter months when temps drop below 20 degrees outside. Know what can cause freezing to develop and take steps to alleviate the chance of occurrence.

• Confirm that proper pipe insulation is in place
• Keep temperatures consistent inside the building and monitor temperatures throughout to ensure cold air isn’t seeping in and exposing pipes to the bitter cold
• Test water flow in pipes to verify circulation

Keep Entryways Clear And Safe

Maintain clear walkways and entrances on your property to prevent injury.

• Purchase adequate supplies of shovels and ice melt to keep sidewalks free of slush and sleet
• Repair damage to steps, rails and potholes on the property
• Place non-slip, water-absorbing floor mats just inside doors

Plan Ahead For Business Interruptions

Keep in mind the famous adage, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Have a contingency plan in place for a few common issues that can arise.

• Have a generator ready when power outages occur so you can continue business as usual
• Create a procedure for redirecting phone lines if you must close your building
• Keep an updated employee contact list so you can easily communicate in case of emergency

Connect with a Mel Foster Insurance agent to confirm you have proper coverage.

 

Save money on your energy bills by making a few adjustments to your normal routines at home. Even small efforts to change your habits can result in big savings, both today and for the long term too.

Change Your Furnace Filters Regularly

Homeowners should change air filters often to help extend the life of your furnace and help with air quality in your home. Better air quality will help your HVAC system run more efficiently and therefore save you money on your utility bills.

Have A Professional Check For Air Leaks

Small air leaks in uninsulated attic or crawl spaces are a major source of cooling loss in the home. It makes good sense to hire a professional to evaluate your home and to place the insulation properly to seal up leaks. This will help to lower cooling costs.

Make The Most Of Your Thermostat

Air conditioners and furnaces consume the most energy in a home. Buy a programmable thermostat that allows you to raise the temperature up to 10 degrees while you’ll be away at work or on vacation. Setting the temps higher when you’ll be gone in the summer can make a noticeable difference in your monthly savings.

Use Less Hot Water Doing Laundry

When doing laundry the big expense is heating the water. Detergents are designed to perform in temps of 65 to 85 degrees F. And cold water is just as effective for rinsing as warm or hot. So dial back those temperature settings to use less hot water and spend less money.

Replace Appliances

Older appliances are typically less energy-efficient, so replacing an old furnace or water heater with a newer model will provide savings in the long run. Do your research to determine which models offer the best return on your investment.

Find additional ways to save money by connecting with a Mel Foster Insurance producer today and ensuring you have all the right homeowner’s policies in place.

 

With the spread of COVID-19 in full swing, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has set some guidelines and tips for staying healthy during this pandemic. During this unpredictable outbreak, it is important that we follow these practices, not only to keep yourself healthy, but for the safety and health of others.

Understand How COVID-19 Spreads

• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person either between close contact of less than six feet or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Practice Social Distancing

• All non-essential workers should stay home. Talk to your employer about working remotely.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially those who are sick, keeping a distance of about six feet.
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Keep Your Hands Clean

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and Disinfect

• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks, with EPA-registered household disinfectants.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them with detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Remember to always throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water or clean your hands with a hand sanitizer.

If You Feel Sick…

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call ahead before you visit. They will advise you of whether or not to leave your home and get tested.
• For those who feel sick or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, wear a facemask when and if you are around people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing and taxis.
• If you live with family members or roommates, stay in a specific “sick room” and use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Avoid sharing household items with others, such as dishes, cups, utensils, towels and bedding.

Understanding how to care for yourself, and others, through this pandemic is extremely important. By following these health practices, you will significantly lessen your chance of getting coronavirus or spreading it to others, especially those with preexisting conditions and the elderly. Refer to the CDC for further information on how to stay healthy.

Source: CDC