Tips

Identity theft can affect anyone. Some statistics indicate that identity theft occurs every 22 seconds and is three times more common in the U.S. than in other countries. Learn about the types of theft and the steps to help safeguard your family.

Identity Theft Types

It is considered identity theft when someone uses another person’s financial or personal data for monetary gain. Financial theft is the most common form of identity theft and includes fraud with credit cards and bank accounts. Synthetic theft is a financial theft where false identities are made using real people’s information to create a fake profile. Then that new profile is used to apply for loans, credit cards and other crimes.

Child identity theft occurs when a minor’s information is used to open a new adult account or line of credit under the child’s name or to get a driver’s license. Medical theft is when a criminal poses as another person to obtain health care services, including prescription drugs, annual exams or equipment like hearing aids and wheelchairs.

Safeguarding Your Personal Data

Take these actions to keep your personal information safe from predators.

• Use a password manager or multi-factor authentication on your passwords
• Keep official documents secure in a safe or locked storage
• Never give out personal information over the phone
• Check your credit reports often to watch for unusual activity
• Safely destroy private records and statements
• Label your child’s items on the inside of their belongings, not on the outside
• Closely monitor your child’s online and social media activity
• Keep your devices updated and anti-virus software current

Insurance Protection

Schedule an appointment with a Mel Foster Insurance agent to keep your identity theft coverage current. An agent can discuss policies and coverage that makes sense for your family. Many insurance carriers have a department that specializes in managing identity theft and can offer guidance when needed. 

Find more tips for homeowners.

Hear what Jeanette Holland with Mel Foster Insurance has to say about why insurance rates are rising and how to keep your rates lower.

 

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.

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.