If You Get Sued

We live in an increasingly litigious society.  People are suing for incidents that used to be settled with a simple apology.  And, the amount they are asking in damages continues to escalate.  Getting sued for a significant amount is a real possibility in modern society; the risk has increased.

Fortunately, an individual can transfer a large portion of that risk to an insurance company where it can be pooled with other individuals who face similar risk.  The insurance that offers this transfer opportunity is liability coverage.  There is liability coverage on an auto policy, a homeowner’s policy and a policy covering a recreational vehicle.  Today, many individuals and families also purchase a Personal Umbrella liability policy, which provides excess limits.

What does it cover?

Liability insurance is designed to respond when you are legally liable for someone’s injuries or damage to their property.  For example:

·         Premises Liability:  A neighbor slips and falls on the ice on your sidewalk; you are liable for their damages

·         Motor or Recreation Vehicle Liability:  Your teenaged son loses control of your boat and collides with another; you are liable for the damages

·         Liability for Personal Activities:  Your over-active, eight-year old propels a loaded shopping cart down the grocery aisle, hitting a little old lady and sending her flying; you are liable for the damages

What is paid?

A liability policy will pay “damages” to the injured party for a covered loss due to bodily injury or property damage.  In addition, it pays for all attorney fees and defense costs, claim expenses, and the cost of investigation.  Liability coverage is designed to pay the financial costs of a covered claim

Peace of Mind Coverage

Liability insurance provides peace of mind in today’s litigious society.  Purchasing the appropriate types of liability coverage in adequate amounts allows you to transfer the risk of being sued to an insurance company.  Then you can focus on those things that give your life meaning

When Your Home is Vacant

When a home is unoccupied or vacant, there are two primary problems.  The house can become a target for vandalism and theft; in addition, a water loss will often go undetected for a longer period of time causing more extensive damage.  The insurance industry experiences more frequent and sever losses on dwellings that are vacant or unoccupied.

Impact on Coverage

Your Homeowners policy will respond differently if your home is vacant at the time of loss.  Most Homeowners policies exclude vandalism coverage after a home is vacant for longer than 60 days.  The policy also does not cover frozen pipes if you have not maintained the heat or drained the pipes.

Coverage Denial

Even worse, some insurance companies deny a claim entirely when a home is unoccupied or vacant.  The policy states, “We cover the dwelling where you reside.”  The insurance company may contend that coverage ceased the day you stopped living there on a regular basis.  Many courts have upheld such a denial of coverage when the policyholder is no longer living in the home, even if belongings were left there.

Seasonal Dwellings

Increased loss exposures also exist on seasonal dwellings, but the insurance industry looks at those homes differently.  A company is usually willing to insure the summer cottage up north as long as they know you have someone checking on the building when you are not there.  However at the time of loss with a seasonal dwelling, your insurance company may ask for documentations as to the number of days you have spent there over the past few years to determine whether the dwelling is actually used as a seasonal residence or is actually an unoccupied dwelling that is not used.  In the latter case, the company may deny coverage on the basis that you no longer reside there.

If your home is vacant or unoccupied, notify your agent promptly, disclosing all details.  Some companies may permit the situation for a short period of time; most will send out direct notice of cancellation.  Your agent can offer you a specialty policy covering a vacant dwelling; unfortunately, the terms of that policy are never as good as those of the Homeowners policy.  When discussing the occupancy of your home, you should be totally candid about the circumstances.  If an insurance company denies a claim, you may end up paying for an attorney to challenge their decision.  That can be expensive and time consuming and you may lose.  It is much better to simply have the proper coverage.

Coinsurance

Imagine your limit of insurance on your building is $500,000 at the time you have a $50,000 fire but you can only collect $25,000.  The problem?  The Coinsurance Clause in your property policy; it is one of the simplest but most misunderstood concepts in modern insurance.  Here is how it works:

·         In exchange for lower rates…

The industry has a number of actuarial reasons for adding a coinsurance clause to a policy, but there is also a benefit to the consumer.  With most policies, rates are less when the policy contains a coinsurance clause.

·         You agree to be insured for at least 80% of the replacement cost at the time of loss.

The only thing the coinsurance clause requires of a policyholder is that the property be insured to value.  Contracts vary and some require 80% of the value, others require 90% or even 100%.  (Although we are using “replacement cost” in this discussion, if your property is insured on an “actual cash value” basis and you have an 80% coinsurance clause, you will be required to insure for 80% of the actual cash value)

·         If you do not keep your promise, you become a coinsurer and share in any partial loss

At the time of loss, the claims adjuster will determine if you have kept the coinsurance promise; he will simply compare the policy limit with an estimated value of the property.  If your limit of insurance is not adequate, you will only be compensated for a portion of your loss; you will pay the balance.  You are a coinsurer.

·         There is a formula in the policy that determines your share.

The industry calls this formula “Did over Should.”  It simply means that if you only did have half of what you should have had at the time of loss, the insurance company will pay for half of the $50,000 fire and you will pay the rest.

The Bottom Line:  The minimum amount of insurance you should carry on property is the limit that will satisfy the coinsurance clause.  If you are insured for that amount at the time of loss, the coinsurance clause will not be activated.  However, if you are only insured for 80% of the value of the property and you have a total loss, you will have a different problem.  You will not be able to rebuild everything you lost.  Consider the coinsurance clause when setting your property limits, but also consider how you would respond to a total loss.  Then set property limits accordingly.

Water Back-up Endorsement

Insurance carriers provides comprehensive homeowners insurance products to meet your needs and that may help protect your customers from the potentially disastrous effects of water backup.  Water backup is one of the most common causes of loss for homeowners but also one of the most misunderstood.

That is the importance of knowing what is covered by the base homeowners policy, what is covered by the optional endorsement, and what is not covered under any circumstances.

What's covered, what's not?

Homeowners policies provides coverage for water that backs up through sewers or drains as long as it originates on premises.  As this chart shows, the optional endorsement expands the coverage to provide better protection.

Not Covered by Homeowners Policy

• Sewer line in the street backs up and causes the overflow
• Water that excapes, overflows or discharges from a sump pump, sump well or any other system designed to remove water which is drained from the foundation area

 Covered by the Optional Endorsement

• Coverage is expanded to include backup or overflow from causes originating off premises as long as the backup or overflow itself occurs on the premises
• Coverage is provided when water escapes, overflows or discharges from a sump pump or other similar system

What's never covered?

• Flooding is the most common excluded coverage.  Whether the result of a river overflowing its banks or a dam breaking, water damage caused by surface water entering the house is not covered
• Overflow originating off-premises is not covered.  This would include a sewer line breaking in the street and causing water to flow over the surface in to the house
• Sub-surface water is excluded.  For example, if a swimming pool or sprinkler system leaks underground and causes water to seep through the foundation, there is no coverage under either the base policy or the optional endorsement.

Note:  All statements made are subjecto to provisions, exclusions, conditions and limitations of the applicable insurance company and policy.  If the information in these materials conflicts with the policy language that it describes, the policy language prevails

Holiday Travel Tip

Over the river and through the woods in Wisconsin …

Millions of Americans will do some traveling this holiday season - the majority of it by car. Of course, winter weather creates a unique set of challenges on the roadways, whether you’re simply driving around in Chippewa Falls or headed to Eau Claire or Madison.

At Mower Insurance, we’d like to help you not only enjoy your holiday season, but help ensure you’ll be around for future holidays, too! So please take these winter-travel safety tips to heart.

Prepare your car for winter

Before leaving on your trip in Wisconsin, give your car a thorough check-up. Do wipers need to be replaced? Are your fluid levels where they should be? Your tires need to be in good shape for driving on wet or snowy roads, and be sure your radiator and cooling systems are up to snuff. And - we know you’ve heard this before, but bear with us - your car should have an emergency kit. Pack it with jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, food and water, a flashlight and other safety gear. A shovel and cat litter or sand (to provide traction should you get stuck in snow or ice) are good ideas as well.

Before you leave

Know exactly where you’re going, with printed maps, and check weather conditions along your planned route. Let someone know your itinerary, so if you don’t arrive on time, officials know where to look for you. If your car has snow or ice on it, make sure it is completely cleared off before you depart. Don’t forget to clear your headlights and other lights, along with the roof - ice and snow blowing from your car could create a hazard for other drivers.

When you’re on the road

Are roads snowy or icy? Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow. Sorry for repeating ourselves, but it’s absolutely vital to, yes, take it slow. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination, and make sure you leave extra room between your vehicle and others on the road. Watch for ice patches on bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Remember, having four-wheel or all-wheel drive does not mean your car will stop or steer better on ice.

If you’re caught in a storm that seems like it’s too much for you to handle, seek refuge as soon as you can. Of course, sometimes it’s best not to drive in snow and ice at all - stay home if you can.

If your vehicle becomes disabled

Nobody wants to think about being stranded on the side of the road in a storm, but it happens to thousands of people every year. If your vehicle is disabled, be sure to stay with it. Run your engine and heater for short intervals, and open one of your windows slightly to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. Light two flares (remember that vehicle emergency kit? Now’s the time to use it) and place one a safe distance from both the front and rear of your vehicle. Note your location with mileposts, exit numbers or cross-streets and call the authorities or a tow truck.

We hope you enjoy your holidays with friends and family, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!

Vacation Travel Smarts

Make your vacation a great one

Whether you’re planning a trip to a local attraction in Wisconsin this summer, or headed all the way across the country, you want your vacation to be relaxing. It’s a getaway from work, not to mention your day-to-day life. So we’ve got some tips - from packing smart to protecting yourself from pickpockets - to make your trip the best it can be.

Before you go

Even if you’re only headed across the state up North to your cabin, a packing list is a must. How many times have you left Chippewa Falls and arrived at your destination, only to find that you forgot your most comfortable walking shoes? Or your swimsuit? Put everything on this list, even if you think you would never forget it. A toothbrush is easy to replace when you get there - your prescription medication isn’t.

Be sure that you have printed itineraries for everyone in your party, and make color copies of important ID documents as well. Keep the copies in your bag, separate from your passport and other IDs. It’s also a great idea for each person to have a list of emergency numbers, either for them to call or for someone else providing assistance.

Of course, packing light can make travel a lot more enjoyable. Who wants to lug 100 pounds of luggage through the airport? Not us. Here are some ideas to help you lighten the load:

·         Do laundry at your destination. Nobody wants to do laundry on vacation, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little time, you can pack far fewer items of clothing. If you won’t have access to facilities, you can wash clothes in the hotel sink and hang them up to dry.

·         Easy on the shoes. If you can, pack only one or two pairs of shoes. It’s best to wear the heavier pair during travel if possible, and pack the lighter one.

·         Ditch the books. Consider using an e-reader instead of packing actual books - that way you can carry hundreds of books on your trip! If you don’t own or want an e-reader, you can buy books once you reach your destination. Thrift shops are great places to find inexpensive books.

·         If flying, don’t check your bag. This will not only force you to take smaller pieces of luggage, but with most airlines charging checked-baggage fees, it will save you money! It saves you the hassle of baggage claim, too.

When you’re there

Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time to relax! But don’t let your guard down completely. After all, tourists often are targets for those looking to separate you from your money. We’re talking mainly about thieves, but don’t forget, you also lose money when you spend more than needed. Here are some ways to protect your wallet from criminals and other money traps:

·         Don’t carry much cash. Most places accept credit cards, and those that don’t often have ATMs on site.

·         If you carry a wallet, keep it in your front pocket. For a purse, hang it across your body. Both will make it more difficult for a thief. You could also consider carrying a money belt, which is a good way to conceal cash and cards.

·         Staying at a hotel? Check to see if they have “resort fees.” More and more hotels are charging these, which often provide things that used to be included in your room rate (such as access to the fitness center). Some will waive it if you complain — and it can be worth complaining because the fee can be $10 – $25 each day.

·         Eating out too much? If your hotel room has a refrigerator, you can easily purchase and store sandwich ingredients for a cheap lunch or dinner. Many people find it more economical to rent a condominium or house for their vacation and cook most of their own meals. The money saved on restaurants can make up for any cost difference between a condo and hotel.

·         Think about travel insurance. Yes, this costs money up front. But if you have a long and expensive vacation planned, travel insurance can end up saving you a lot of money if something goes wrong and you need to come home early or even cancel your entire trip. Depending on the coverage you purchase, you could receive reimbursement for additional airfare, hotel charges and more.

Finally, remember that you’re on vacation to relax and escape everyday life. So when you get there, get out there! Meet some locals, do some things off the beaten path. In fact, the locals usually have the best recommendations. And you just might make some new friends, too!

Holiday Home Security

Make home safety a priority while you’re away for the holidays

The holidays can be a great time to get out of Chippewa Falls to visit family you rarely get to see, hit the slopes or flee to the beach. Regardless of how you spend your time away, you need to ensure your house stays safe while you’re gone. 

A house left empty can be an opportunity for burglars, so before you pack your bags, prepare to protect the stuff that’s staying at home in Western Wisconsin.

At Mower Insurance Agency, we want to make it a little easier for you to get out of town with peace of mind and return to everything you left behind, so here are some pointers for prepping your Midwestern home before you travel.

Lock it up. Check and double-check that you have locked all the doors and windows.

Check under the mat. If you store an extra key outside your house, remove it.  Instead, give the key to a trusted friend or neighbor in case someone needs to enter in an emergency.

Communicate. Inform a friend or neighbor that you will be away. Ask them to keep an eye on the house, and give them a way to reach you to report any suspicious activity. But don’t communicate your absence on social media!

Forego deliveries. Make sure to stop delivery of packages, mail, newspapers, and anything else that could pile up on your porch. Ask your trusted friend or neighbor to pick these items up every other day.

Remove temptations. Do not leave wrapped gifts or expensive electronics visible through windows and doors.

From Mower Insurance, we wish you, your family (and your home and belongings) a very safe and joyous holiday!

INSURANCE SIDEBAR:

If you are the victim of a theft this holiday season, your homeowners and umbrella policies may offer protection. To know for sure, review your insurance policies with us at Mower Insurance Agency, Inc.

Snowmobile Season

Tips to stay safe during snowmobile season

If you live or vacation where the weather gets cold and the snow starts falling, some people are content to cozy up next to the fire with a good book and concentrate on staying warm.

For others, though, it’s time to get excited — because it’s time to break out the snowmobiles and head to the nearest winter recreation spot. It’s a popular activity, and for good reason: Snowmobiling allows you to explore natural areas that may be hard to access by foot (or snowshoe), and provides a different kind of excitement than skiing or hiking.

Of course, snowmobiling presents some dangers as well. And here at Mower Insurance, we want you to make it home safely after your day in the snow. Read on for safety tips from the American Council of Snowmobile Associations — and keep in mind that following these will not only help you stay safe, but also influence equitable treatment of snowmobile access by government, agencies and landowners.

SPEED: Speed is a major factor in many snowmobile crashes. Always keep your speed slow enough to ensure that you’re in control.

ALCOHOL: Use of alcohol or any other drug that causes impairment is a leading cause of snowmobile-related fatalities. It’s best to refrain from any use at all before and during outings because of potential effects on vision, reaction time, balance and coordination. When combined with excess speed in particular, the results can be deadly.

AVALANCHE: More than 90 percent of the time, avalanches that involve people are triggered by the victims. Learn to follow avalanche safety procedures and always know the risks at all times.

RIDING AT NIGHT: Nighttime snowmobiling is fun, but extra caution should be used. Ride at slower speeds so as not to override your headlights (which generally illuminate your path for about 200 feet). Faster speeds could mean that you have little or no time to react to an obstacle in your path.

ROADWAYS: Always keep an eye out for vehicles, as many trails are located alongside roadways and can cross over them. Be sure to stop fully at all stop signs and unmarked road crossings.

CLOSED AREAS: Areas may be closed to snowmobiles due to hazardous conditions, wintering wildlife, non-motorized recreation or by landowner request. It’s important to honor these closures for safety purposes and to help protect access to other riding areas.

While it’s extremely important to follow these tips for your personal safety, it’s also vital to encourage others to snowmobile safely as well. Helping to educate others will not only promote safety for all snowmobilers, but also protect the sport’s image as well.

Whether you’re a new rider or have been on the trails for years, ask yourself if you could be riding more safely. There are many more winters to come, and we want you to be able to enjoy as many of them as possible!

Green Holiday Tips

Give the gift of ‘green’ this holiday season

As the holidays approach, regular habits tend to fall to the wayside. Folks who are consistently rested lose sleep, habitual fitness fanatics sink into recliners and, occasionally, even the most environmentally committed citizens loosen up on their personal rules.

With a little know-how, along with a promise to give to the Wisconsin environment just as you do to your loved ones over the holidays, you can be just as “green” as you are the rest of the year, if not even greener.

At Mower Insurance Agency, we want you and the environment to breathe easy and experience joy this holiday season. Check out these pointers for reducing waste throughout and beyond the season.

Wrap it up (and again… and again…).  Are you both giving and getting this year, or holding more than one gift exchange?  If so, re-use items like wrapping paper, ribbon and packing materials. No one will complain about this kind of “re-gifting,” especially the environment.

Bring your own. The reusable bags you use for groceries each week work just as well for holiday shopping.  Keep them in your trunk or near the door to your home through the season so you always have them on hand for gift buying and giving trips throughout Chippewa.

Think “e-everything.” Everything that you traditionally did on paper - party invitations, greeting cards and holiday letters - can be just as meaningful and attractive when created and sent electronically. 

Opt out. Retailers inundate consumers with catalogs through the holiday season.  Collect them in a pile and dedicate some time to calling each one and asking to have your name removed from their mailing lists.

“Recycle-ize” your home. Place recycle receptacles in every room in which you will be cooking, having meals, discarding waste, wrapping gifts, decorating and working. This will keep recycling top-of-mind, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

From Mower Insurance to you and yours, we wish you the greenest holiday season yet!

Holiday Pet Travel

Make sure your pets travel well for the holidays

The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to eat good food and join together with loved ones. For many who have families far away, this is also the time to pack up and get out of Wisconsin.

If you are gearing up to travel and have pets at home, you’re probably considering their holiday options, perhaps a dog sitter, cat spa or kennel. If you just can’t bear leaving your furry friends behind, you’re in luck!  With the following tips, you and your cuddly companions can be on your way — via car, plane or train — in safety and comfort.

·         Pre-travel honesty. Before you consider making Fido your backseat driver or your wingman, consider whether he will feel safer en route or at home. Some pets simply don’t like to travel, while others are more versatile.

·         Hit the rails. If you’re traveling by train, plan ahead. Make sure pets are allowed on the train and find out what rules apply. Also, ensure your pet can stay with you in the passenger compartment, versus needing to be placed in cargo.

• Comfort your four-legged friends in flight. Before you book your flight, make sure the air carrier allows pets in the cabin or if they need to ride in cargo. Research weight requirements ahead of time, and check the airline’s website for additional regulations.
• Pack their bags with care.  Pack a travel bag for your pet, just as you do for yourself and your family. Consider items like food bowls, leashes, treats and favorite toys, as well as immunization records and identification tags.
• Put the pedal to the metal. If you have a choice, travel by car. This way you can stop as frequently as necessary for potty stops and feedings.
• Avoid accidents. Regardless of your mode of travel, be cognizant of the duration of your journey. Gauge how much your pet eats and drinks according to the length of the trip. If you’re traveling by train, find out in advance if there are stops when you and your pet can get out and get relief.

At Mower Insurance, we hope you and your pets have a comfortable, safe journey wherever you travel for the holidays.

Flood Insurance

What you should know about flood insurance

You’ve probably heard this horror story before — someone loses a home due to a flood and learns after the fact that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.

At Mower Insurance Agency, we want you to be educated about all of the risks you may face – before a loss occurs – so you can determine what insurance coverage is appropriate. Spring is a prime season for flooding, so now is a good time to review your options.

Because very few companies offer flood insurance, the U.S. government created the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 1968. Available to homeowners, renters and business owners, this insurance often is required to obtain a mortgage in areas at high risk of flooding.

But you might want to look into a policy just for peace of mind, even if you don’t live on the Chippewa River.  According to the NFIP, nearly 25% of the program’s claims occur in moderate- to low-risk areas. Check out the questions and answers below to help determine if flood insurance is right for you.

Is flood insurance available in my area?

To participate in the NFIP, a community must adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance with rules regarding construction in certain flood-prone areas. In exchange, the government makes flood insurance available within that community. We’re happy to help you find out if you’re eligible for flood insurance. Just give us a call at 715-723-5525.  You can also visit http://www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm.

What does it cover?

The NFIP provides coverage for both the structure and its contents. Coverage for contents is optional in some cases, so you may want to give us a call to discuss other coverage for your personal property.

Keep in mind that you typically can’t purchase flood insurance and have it take effect the next day. There is usually a 30-day waiting period. (Exceptions to this rule apply, however, particularly when the insurance is required by a lender and is purchased during the process of securing a mortgage.) If you think you need flood insurance, don’t wait to buy a policy!

What doesn’t it cover?

Generally, government-issued flood insurance will not cover the following: Buildings entirely over water or principally below ground, gas and liquid storage tanks, animals, aircraft, wharves, piers, bulkheads, growing crops, shrubbery, land, roads, machinery or equipment in the open and most motor vehicles.

How much does it cost?

As with all insurance policies, the cost of flood insurance varies depending on your situation. If your home or business is in a high-risk area, such as a “special flood hazard area,” your premium naturally will be higher than those in low- or moderate-risk zones. Premiums are based on how old the building is, how many floors it has, the location of its contents, your deductible and more. Renters insurance is typically less expensive, as renters generally insure their belongings and not the building.

Where can I find more information?

As always, we are happy to help you determine your insurance needs. Stop by our office at 515 West Prairie View Road or give us a call at 715-723-5525. The NFIP website, at http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program, has plenty of answers as well.

Home Efficiency

Is your home as efficient as it could be?

Drafty windows. Leaky faucets. Dirty air filters.

All are common issues and they’re not only annoying — they also cost you money in decreased energy efficiency and higher utility bills.

Would you like to save $200 to $400 a year on your energy costs? That’s how much the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program estimates that homeowners can save by incorporating technologies to make their homes operate more efficiently.

Of course, helping to protect you and your family is our goal at Mower Insurance, and keeping your home well-maintained usually means your home will be safer as well. Those are goals we all should share. Several of the tips below from the National Association of Home Builders will help you accomplish both.

Do a home-energy audit

Making your home more efficient can seem like an overwhelming task. But “auditing” your energy efficiency is something you can do yourself, and it’s relatively simple. This will show you where your home loses energy, how efficient your heating and cooling systems are, and ways you can decrease your electricity use. Just inspect the areas listed here and note the problems you find.

Where’s the air? Air commonly “leaks” from homes through gaps around baseboards, electrical outlets and windows or doors. Stopping these drafts can save up to 30 percent of your yearly energy costs. Be sure to check your home’s exterior as well, paying particular attention to areas where two different building materials meet. When you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

Don’t wait … insulate! Check to see if the amount of insulation in the ceiling and walls is sufficient. Your attic door should be insulated and close tightly. For walls, make a small hole in a closet or other inconspicuous place and probe into the wall with a screwdriver — the area should be completely filled with insulation.

Do a systems check. Efficient heating and cooling systems can save you frustration as well as money. Make sure ducts and pipes are insulated properly, and have your equipment checked and cleaned by a professional each year. Filters for forced-air furnaces should be replaced as soon as they are dirty, or every 30 to 60 days.

Let there be (efficient) light. Lighting can account for up to 20 percent of your home’s total electricity use, so consider compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) bulbs, which last longer and use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.

The only thing left to do after you complete your audit (and make any necessary changes)? Figuring out how to spend the money you’ll save each year!

Carbon Monoxide Safety

Protect your family from the ‘silent killer’

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, invisible gas that results when certain fuels do not burn completely. And it can be deadly. That’s why it’s important to know how to prevent it, detect it, and protect yourself and your family from its effects.

In the home, carbon monoxide is most commonly formed by flames and heaters, as well as vehicles or generators that are running in an attached garage. As temperatures drop and more people are cranking the heat and hovering over the stove inside and warming up the car’s engine before hitting the road, it’s especially critical to ensure your family’s safety against this lethal gas.

Since carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detection device, it is essential to install and maintain one or more detectors in your home.

Detector Tips

At Mower Insurance Agency, Inc., we want you and your family to stay protected, so check out the following tips from CAL FIRE San Diego County Fire Authority for safeguarding your household.

·         The International Association of Fire Chiefs recommends a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. A detector should be located within 10 feet of each bedroom door, and there should be one near or over any attached garage.

·         Each detector should be replaced every five to six years.

·         Battery-only carbon monoxide detectors tend to go through batteries more frequently than expected. Plug-in detectors with a battery backup (for use if power is interrupted) provide less battery-changing maintenance.

·         Thoroughly read the installation manual that comes with the individual detector you purchase. Manufacturers’ recommendations differ to a certain degree based on research conducted with detectors for specific brands.

·         Remember that carbon monoxide detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice versa. You can, however, purchase a dual smoke/carbon monoxide detector that can perform both functions.

·         Do not install carbon monoxide detectors next to fuel-burning appliances, as these appliances may emit a small amount of carbon monoxide upon startup.

In case of exposure

At Mower Insurance Agency, we hope you never have to use the following tips from the Mayo Clinic, but please read on for good information that could help save a life.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has been exposed to carbon monoxide, check for the following symptoms:

·         dull headache

·         weakness

·         dizziness

·         nausea

·         vomiting

·         shortness of breath

·         confusion

·         loss of consciousness

If any of the symptoms exist, move the individual into fresh air and seek emergency medical care immediately.

Speeding

Slow down, save money … and lives

How many times has the following happened to you? You’re speeding down 29 when you spot a Wisconsin Patrol car. You quickly hit the brakes and slow down, relieved that you didn’t get caught … this time.

Now take a minute to think what could have happened if you hadn’t been so lucky.

First, your speeding could have hurt somebody — or yourself. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speed is a contributing factor in more than 30% of fatal crashes and nearly 20% of non-injury accidents. That’s a big risk to take.

Second, getting a ticket could put a big hit on your wallet. Of course, that’s not nearly as important as the health and safety impacts of speeding, but in this economic climate, more and more people are watching every dime. And who wants to write a check to the state for speeding?

At Mower Insurance, we want you to be safe. We also want to make sure you get a great price on the insurance coverage you need. Thankfully, easing up on that lead foot can help accomplish both.

How a ticket impacts your insurance

If you get a speeding ticket, that violation can stay on your driving record for three years or even longer. And because your driving history plays a large part in determining how much you’ll pay for insurance, the fewer tickets you have, the better.

Different carriers have different policies when it comes to checking your driving record and dealing with drivers who have violations. If you receive a ticket, and it’s your first in several years, you may not see much of an increase — depending on the severity of the offense. In fact, many states will allow you to enter a deferment program if it’s your first ticket, keeping the violation off your record if you complete a safety course and avoid further tickets.

But that second ticket (or third, or fourth …) can bring some serious financial penalties. While there are too many variables to say specifically how much each additional violation will increase your premium, it’s safe to say that the jump will be significant. And unfortunately, you can be stuck paying those higher premiums for years.

Significant violations can have a bigger impact as well. If you’re going 20 miles per hour over the limit, you’ll likely pay more than someone with a ticket for 5 mph over. Insurance companies know that speeding increases the risk of accidents, and they’ll view you as an increased risk — for good reason. In fact, if you have a serious violation, or too many tickets, your insurance carrier could drop your coverage altogether.

For younger drivers (typically under the age of 25), it’s especially important to avoid tickets, because companies already view these drivers as riskier than the general population.

And keep in mind, even if your premium doesn’t go up, having a violation on your record could prevent you from receiving the lowest possible rate on your insurance.

Of course, we think the best policy is simply to obey speed limits. Not only will you avoid tickets and possible insurance hassles, but your risk of accidents will decrease. And you’ll get better gas mileage. Sounds like a good deal to us!

Securing Fall Trees

Before the wind blows, secure your trees and shrubs

The seasons are changing, and the colors of autumn abound. 

Regrettably, fall’s stunning display is often accompanied by some unwelcome weather hazards in Wisconsin– namely, wind – that can cause considerable damage to the very trees that produce those beautiful fall leaves.

At Mower Insurance, we want your yard and home to stay great throughout the season.  Take a look at the following tips to ensure you keep your trees and shrubs healthy and avoid destruction that can result when the wind blows.

To protect existing trees

·         Bundle ‘em up. Go to a home and garden store and buy enough landscape fabric and plant ties to cover trees and shrubs vulnerable to the changing weather. Wrap them up for the winter and then unwrap them after spring has sprung.

·         Exercise pruning prowess. Proper pruning is essential to ensure trees can withstand winds, so make sure you use correct pruning techniques or hire a professional.

·         Trees and more trees. If you have trees that are especially susceptible to wind, consider planting more trees. Experts say to choose trees, like conifers and evergreens, to create a windbreak. As an added bonus, a windbreak placed in correct proximity to a home can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent. Keep in mind: conifers should be planted at least 20 feet away from a structure, evergreens at least 30 feet away.

When planting new trees

·         Know which way the wind blows.  Pay attention to the wind patterns in your part of Wisconsin through the fall and winter seasons and how they affect your particular lot.  Plant trees in areas where structures, such as your home, garage or shed, can serve to shelter them from the wind.

·         Give them some space. Plant trees far enough away from structures and foundations. A smaller tree should have at least a 10-square-foot space to itself, and a larger tree needs at least 30 square feet.

At Mower Insurance, we hope these tips will ensure that you and your yard hang tough all season long... even when the wind starts howling. 

Fall and Watercraft Insurance

Protect your boat with insurance and winterization

Now that summer’s over and the weather is cooling down, it’s time to think about pulling your boat out of Lake Wissota and putting it away until next year.

As you begin to prepare your boat for the winter, take the time to make sure it still has the right insurance protection. After all, we here at Mower Insurance want to make sure you’re ready for the next boating season! (And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also be ready to invite your favorite insurance agent out for a day on the lake. Just a thought.)

First things first: Insurance

If you have a small boat with limited power, you may have some coverage under your Wisconsin homeowners or renters insurance policy. If you aren’t sure, please check with us. Of course, larger and faster boats, along with personal watercraft, require their own policies. And we can help with those, too!

But do you even need boat insurance during the offseason when your boat won’t even be in the water? Well, that depends. Keep in mind that your boat can still be damaged no matter where it is. Often, damage from fire and theft isn’t covered unless you have a watercraft policy. And there always is the chance that we could get a streak of great weather in November that lures you to take the boat out on Lake Wissota for a day or two! There are plenty of reasons to keep year-round coverage, but if you have questions about seasonal policies, give us a call: 715-723-5525.

And while you’re thinking about insurance, consider your current watercraft coverage. Is your boat older? It might be time to move to cash-value coverage instead of agreed value. Do you have a lot of expensive fishing equipment? Make sure you have enough optional coverage so your gear isn’t at risk. You might also want to consider uninsured boater coverage and a personal umbrella policy, which provide more liability protection than a standard watercraft policy.

And remember, you might be able to save money on your insurance by taking a boating-safety course, increasing your deductible or bundling your policies with one company.

Now: A different kind of protection

After you’ve squared away protecting your boat with the right insurance options, it’s time to think about protecting your boat in a more literal sense – by properly preparing it for winter. Below are some general tips to follow, but, of course, you should check your owner’s manuals for manufacturer recommendations.

Your engine

Follow manufacturer instructions when winterizing your engine, but you’ll want to flush the engine with fresh water and make sure to drain fuel from the carburetor to prevent a build-up of deposits. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate cylinder walls and pistons.

Stern drive

Do a thorough inspection and remove plant life or barnacles from the lower unit. Drain the gear case and clean the lower unit with soap and water.

Fuel tanks

Fill your fuel tanks to avoid a buildup of condensation and add fuel stabilizer, following the product instructions.

Fresh water system

Drain the fresh water tank and water heater, and pump a nontoxic antifreeze into the system. Then, turn on all faucets until you see the antifreeze coming out.

Interior

Remove all valuables from the boat. Clean drawers thoroughly, and turn cushions on their edges to allow air to circulate. Clean the refrigerator and freezer.

Cover it up!

A cover will keep your boat clean and protect it from water and UV rays, which can break down hoses and fade upholstery.

Now, with your boat safely stowed, you can focus on your other toys this winter. Snowmobiles, anyone?