Archive for category Home Owners Insurance
Brian Lampton recognized in Insurance Newsletter
Posted by in Auto Insurance, Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek, Lampton Insurance Beavercreek on August 1st, 2011
Brian Lampton was singled out with customer appreciation in the July 27, 2011 edition of “The Bulletin.”
” I recently had a roof damage claim and some auto damage too, and I called to say how nice and helpful everyone involved was. Thank you, especially to my Agent Brian and [Claims Supervisor] Donna Carpenter.”
–Customer Jane B., via a phone conversation with Branch Manager Joe Wilkerson
[ Newsletter ]
Ohio among the lowest rates in the US
Posted by in Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek on August 18th, 2011
http://www.insurance.ohio.gov/Newsroom/Pages/08102011AutoHomeRates.aspx
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| 8/10/2011
Lt. Governor Taylor Announces Ohio Auto and Homeowners Rates Remain Competitive in 2010 COLUMBUS — Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor announced Ohio’s 2010 average auto and homeowners insurance rates were among the most competitive in the United States. The Department annually compiles the state’s average auto and homeowners insurance rates.
“Ohioans can count on the state’s dynamic insurance marketplace producing some of the lowest auto and homeowners rates in the country,” Taylor said. “We will continue to focus on attracting insurance companies to our great state to the benefit of the state’s consumers.” Ohio has the 11th lowest auto insurance and 9th lowest homeowners insurance average premiums in the country, according to the most recent figures from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). In 2010, the average rate change for the state’s top 10 private passenger auto insurance groups increased 1.5 percent. The average rate change for the state’s top 10 homeowners insurance groups increased 8.7 percent. The top 10 insurance groups represent approximately 70 percent of the market. The average increases in 2010 were less than the previous year, which saw average increases of 2.8 percent and 9.7 percent for auto and homeowners, respectively. The historical rate change information is an average. Individual insurance consumers may have experienced rate changes that differ from the average. The Department makes sure the rating plans comply with Ohio insurance law and the rates are actuarially sound. Ohio insurers continued to experience claims from the multitude of weather events that have impacted the state over the last few years. Based on rate activity so far this year and industry data, Department analysts expect 2011 rate activity to follow a similar pattern. Changes in auto insurance rates are associated with medical costs, weather-related claims, the number of cars on Ohio roads and repairs costs. Changes in homeowners rates can be attributed to weather-related claims, and building and material costs. Ohioans with insurance questions or concerns can call the Department’s consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526. Free information, including guides and tip sheets about auto and homeowners insurance, is available atwww.insurance.ohio.gov. |
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DDN: Weather whipping up home insurance
Posted by in Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek, Lampton Insurance Beavercreek on August 17th, 2011
Dayton Daily News publishes article from The Columbus Dispatch reporting that losses from recent storms factor into future projections.
[ Article ]
Beavercreek Homeowner Insurance News- Mold in Homes
Posted by in Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek, Lampton Insurance Beavercreek on April 12th, 2011
Mold In Homes
Mold Prevention Tips
- Fix leaks in pipes and any damp area around tubs and sinks so mold spores don’t have a growing environment.
- If you rebuild or remodel, do so with water-resistant building materials such as tile, stone, deep-sealed concrete, waterproof wallboard, water-resistant glues, etc.
- Prevent seepage of water from the outdoors into your house. It’s important to have rainwater from gutters or the roof drain away from the house. The ground around the house needs to slope away to keep the basement and crawl space dry.
- Ventilate any crawl space as much as possible to allow for thorough drying
- Reduce the moisture in the air with dehumidifiers, fans and open windows or air conditioners, especially in hot weather. Do NOT use fans if mold may already exist; a fan will spread the mold spores.
- Try to keep the humidity in your home below 40%.
- In moisture-prone areas, consider easy-to-clean, water-resistant floor coverings, such as vinyl or stone tile.
- Reduce potential for condensation on cold surfaces by insulating.
- If you discover mold, the first step is to find and eliminate the water source, as above.
- Then, if it is a small area (less than about 10 sq ft), and you feel comfortable, clean the mold with a detergent solution and thoroughly dry all materials.
- If it is larger than 10 sq ft, consider calling a professional mold remediation company, such as PuroClean, the Paramedics of Property Damage™. Their well-trained, professional technicians understand and apply industry standard approaches to remediate mold completely, while being as safe for your home and your family as possible.
Brought to you by:
Brian Lampton
1326 Parkway Ct
Beavercreek, 45432(937) 427-8444
www.lamptonengleagency.com
blampton@lamptonengleagency.com
Homeowner Insurance Beavercreek Special Limits
Posted by in Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek on February 22nd, 2011
Check your homeowner insurance policy for a section often called “Special Limits” These are coverage limitations for certain groups of personal property. All home owner policies have limits and every company is different with what items they limit, and the actual dollar amount for each group. A couple of the items listed are actually extra coverages provided such as watercraft and trailers. Other items are limited such as money, jewelry, silverware and others.
Our agency wants you to be aware of these limits so if there is a concern we can make the necessary changes to your insurance program to cover the items prior to a claim. I don’t know why these limits are in the policies, and I don’t like that they are “hidden” in the policy, and not printed on the front coverage page. Please take a few moments to review your own limits and call your agent if any of them could be a problem.
Our two main insurance carriers Erie Insurance and Auto-Owners Insurance for homeowner policies have these sort of limits (just like the rest) and we have pulled them out of the policy and put them in summary form so they are easy to read and understand. Please contact us if anything on the list could be an insurance problem for you and your family.
Homeowner Limits -pdf
Water Back-Up
Posted by in Beavercreek Home Insurance, Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek on October 25th, 2010
There are three kinds of water when it comes to home owner insurance. The first kind
is called flood. There is a specific definition of flood, simply put, it is the water that
comes “ in and down” (in the house) from normally dry land. The second kind of water
is water back-up or sewer drain back-up. This is water and or sewage that comes back
up from drains in the house. The third type of water would be all other water damage,
weather it is from a leaky roof, or a busted water heater, or pressure hose from your
washing machine, for example.
All home policies exclude any damage caused by flood. The only way to cover flood is
to purchase a flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Program. All home owner
insurance policies also exclude the second type of water, or water back-up. Coverage for
this type of water damage can be purchased and added back on to your home policy as an
option for extra premium. This optional coverage is usually limited to $5,000 or $10,000
depending on the insurance company. The third type of water damage is typically
covered on most regular home owner policies.
Let’ s emphasize the importance of the water back-up or sewer & drain back up damage
coverage. We feel this coverage should be considered with every home policy. Even
if you’ re on a slab, up on a hill, it doesn’ t mean you’ re not susceptible to water back-up
loss. The drains in your home can become clogged from regular use, or tree roots getting
in the drain lines. Many folks have plumbing services come out once a year to “ snake
out” or clean out their drains. Most water back up losses involves damaged carpet and
flooring which usually results in larger losses.
There is a reason insurance carriers charge extra and limit coverage for water back-up.
These types of losses occur very frequently, and are usually over $1,000.
Please don’ t short change yourself, review your home policy, and make sure it has water
back-up or sewer and drain back up coverage.
Beavercreek Ohio, Homeowner Insurance rates are rising
Posted by in Beavercreek Insurance, Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek, Lampton Insurance Beavercreek on July 26th, 2010
Home Safety and Winter Preparation
Posted by in Home Owners Insurance, Home Owners Insurance Beavercreek on October 22nd, 2008
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publishes a variety of materials that deal with preparation, prevention, and safety tips for homes. Preparing for winter requires special inspection and maintenance steps to prevent damage and danger to occupants.
Before Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:
- Rock salt to melt ice on walkways
- Sand to improve traction
- Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
Prepare your home and family
· Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel, because regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
· Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
· Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
· Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Be certain that your waste plumbing system will safely handle the water without clogging or freezing.
· Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. Use one outside to familiarize yourself with the pressure and dispersion, and then have it recharged immediately.
· House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
· Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
· Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
· Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow – or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Dress for the Weather
· Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent, and bright colors are suggested for safety.
· Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
· Wear a hat. Body heat escapes rapidly from the head.
· Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
Winter Fire Safety Tips from The U.S. Fire Administration
§ Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home. Test the batteries every month and change them at least once a year or when the alarm ‘beeps’ at regular intervals.
§ Space heaters should have an automatic emergency shutoff device in case they tip over. Only use the fuel recommended by the manufacturer.
§ Never refill a space heater while it is operating or still hot. Refuel outside, away from the house.
§ Wood stoves must be properly installed, away from combustible surfaces, have the proper floor support and adequate ventilation.
§ Never use flammable liquids, such as gasoline or lighter fluid, to start or accelerate a fire.
§ Have furnaces and chimneys professionally inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. Creosote buildup is a common cause of chimney fires.
§ Use a glass or metal screen in front of fireplaces to prevent sparks from igniting nearby carpets or furniture.
§ Never thaw frozen pipes with a blowtorch or other open flame. Use hot water or a UL listed device such as a hand-held dryer.
§ Dispose of hot ashes in tightly sealed metal containers placed away from the house.
§ Don’t use the oven to heat homes. Besides being a fire hazard, it can be a source of toxic fumes.
§ Keep fire hydrants clear of snow for easy access.
Storm Damage From Ike
Posted by in Home Owners Insurance, Lampton Insurance Beavercreek on September 17th, 2008
See above photos of my office and our roof damage, notice the very top of the roof and the missing shingles
Some Homeowner coverage’s relating to the wind damage from Ike 09/14/08
Ohio has been declared a disaster from the storm that produced 80 MHP winds on 9/14/08. The last time Ohio was declared a disaster was 1979. I can’t help but to think that I thought we (in Ohio) would be safe from a hurricane?!
My home is still without power, and my agency’s office building sustained roof damage. I want to address some of the coverage questions with our customers relating to fallen trees, damaged roofs, and spoiled food.
If your Homeowner policy is with ERIE Insurance:
The policy will provide debris removal coverage for fallen trees. This coverage is up to $1,000 per occurrence with a limit of $500 per tree. The policy deductible applies.
If a fallen tree damages covered property the cost of removing that part of the tree that hit that property will be covered along with the repair or replacement of that property. The policy deductible applies.
The homeowner policy provides coverage for loss of the contents of the refrigerator or freezer units on the residence premises from power failure. The only exception is for contents used for business purposes. The policy deductible applies.
If you have experienced shingles blown off the roof, the policy will either repair or replace, based on examination and extent of the damage. If only one side of the roof is damaged then that part of the roof may be all that will be paid for. The claims department will make the final determination and the policy deductible applies.
If your home is insured with Auto-Owners Insurance:
The policy will provide debris removal for trees fallen in the yard up to $500. The policy deductible applies.
The food spoiled in the refrigerator or freezer on the residence premises in the standard un-endorsed policy is $250 per loss. If your home policy has the “enhancement “Plus” endorsement the coverage is increased to $750. The policy deductible applies.
If you have shingles blown off the roof, the treatment is the same as Erie Insurance, if the roof can be repaired then it will be, if not, then the policy will pay for replacement of the damaged part of the roof. Often times in a storm like this only one side of the roof is damaged, or just the front, or back. In that instance, the insurance carrier will most likely pay for that part of the roof replacement.
ONE MORE IMPORTANT NOTE: If “your” tree falls in your neighbors yard, or hits your neighbors house IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, (unless you were made aware that that tree was dead and poses a threat to their property). The same thing goes for a tree from your neighbors yard, if it hits your car or house YOUR insurance will be responsible.
Please call us if you have “what if” questions, or need recommendations for contractors, or just want to talk about these or other insurance related issues.
Identity Theft and Your Homeowners Insurance
Posted by in Home Owners Insurance on August 26th, 2008
As many as a million Americans may have been affected by identity theft during the last year alone, according to the federal trade commission. Identity theft is when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain or to commit crimes(s). These crimes include stolen credit card numbers, bank account information used for the financial gain of the criminal. Loans can be obtained falsely, properties purchased and bankruptcy filed all under another person’s name. On occasions crimes are committed, warrants for arrests issued under another person’s name. Illegal aliens use false social security numbers to obtainwork, establish credit, buy a home, pay taxes, usually using their own names but with another’s social security number.
What steps can be taken to reduce an event of identity theft. Review your financial information at least annually, including running your credit report, credit card statements, and bank statements. Keep your personal data on a need to know basis. Only provide this information to trusted sources and vendors. Destroy documents that contain personal information before it is thrown in the trash, including all junk mail, and credit card offers. When travelling, have a trusted neighbor retrieve your mail each day while your away. Be careful when you are on the phone especially when giving away personal information. Pay attention to who is standing with in ear shot, and to whom you are speaking. Run a full background check on yourself at least annually. Hire a private investigation service to run a standard “pre-employment” check on yourself. This type of service shouldn’t cost too much.
Most homeowner insurance companies will now offer FOR ADDITIONAL PREMIUM the option to add identity theft coverage. The most important part to remember about this coverage is that it will NOT pay for lost funds or stolen monies from accounts or charged through those accounts. The coverage is designed to pay for reasonable and necessary expenses that are incurred as a direct result of an identity theft. Examples could include costs for re-filing applications for loans, attorney fees, and document reconstruction, time off work, and additional day care expenses. There is no coverage for a business or professional entity and it’s identity. There is no coverage for an act of an insured to another insured. What this means is a spouse who still lives at home in the process of a divorce gets money from an account, or racks up huge credit card debt and “sticking it” to the spouse. There would be no coverage for a grandchild living with a grandparent and uses the grandparents information for financial gain. The claim is triggered when the theft of id is DISCOVERED, this becomes the date of loss and it is the policy at that time that will respond. The theft must be reported to the insurance company within 60 days after the theft has been discovered.
At the time I wrote this article, I received an e-mail from what appeared to be my credit card company stating that I had been “locked out” from logging on their web site because the wrong password had been used. I called the credit card company and they told me that the e-mail was a scam. The e-mail that was sent to me looked very authentic, including the credit card company logo. I will be checking my next few credit card statements for unauthroized charges. For more information on the insurance coverages available please contact our office.
