Basic Points to Know before Replacing Your Roof

A new roof is a major home expense and often a very big job. You can save yourself a lot of headache and
money in the long run by becoming familiar with roofing materials, warranties, cost, and contractors before
the job begins.

Materials
As far as roofing materials go, they should protect the home from hail, rain, snow, wind, and possibly fire.
The life of your roof is actually highly impacted by these common weather conditions. Your geographic
location and the specifics of your lot also impact the life of a roof. Take a home located in the southwest
desert area for an example; the sun and extreme heat can cause your roof to age and disintegrate more
rapidly than in other areas of the country. Another example would be the negative impacts on a roof caused
by dampness or tree materials, such as a home in a humid area being positioned under a large mossy tree.
Roofing material manufacturers aren't required to submit their products for testing to measure for resistance
to fire, wind, hail, and so forth, but some manufacturers opt to have their product rated. This rating can help
determine which material best suits your home. Unrated products have either failed their rating test or not
been tested.

UL 2218, a test designed by Underwriters' Laboratories, measures resistance to hail. Under this test, the
greatest hail resistant product is a Class 4 roofing material.
Roofing products can receive a Class A fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against severe fire exposure; a Class B fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against moderate fire exposure; or a Class C fire rating, which indicates effectiveness against light fire exposure. You can also use some common sense to help you determine fire resistance, such as clay shingles logically offering greater fire protection than wood shingles.
 
Keep in mind that some local building codes might require you to use a certain standard or class of material.
Windy conditions can rip shingles from the roof or lift the edges up and allow water to seep into the roof.
Local building codes in wind-prone areas may suggest that additional nails be used to hold down certain types of shingles, such as asphalt composite shingles.

Warranties
Whatever grade or type of product you choose to complete your new roof, always read the fine print of the
warranty very carefully and save one in case you need to refer to it in the future. There are several different
types of warranties, including any of the following:
* First owner - only the owner that bought the roof is covered.
* Pro-rated - the claim is based on how old the roof is.
* Wind - only covers damage caused directly by wind.
* Hail - only covers damage caused directly by hail.
* Material defects and workmanship- most products come with a manufacturer warranty covering defects in
their product for 20 or more years. However, be aware that this manufacturer warranty is useless if your
contractor installs the product incorrectly. This is why you need a workmanship warranty written into your
contract with your contractor.

Cost
The cost of a new roof varies depending on what materials are used and the labor necessary to install the
chosen materials. The weather conditions and specifics of the geographic location, as mentioned above, mean that certain roofing materials and products will be more common to specific areas of the country.
Additionally, your homeowner's association may have stipulations on what type(s) of roofing material you
may use. Keep in mind that certain types of roofing materials will require more extensive labor to install,
therefore raising the overall price. A roof with a steep pitch also generally increases the cost of labor since it
takes more time to install the materials and poses a greater safety risk to workers. When comparing prices,
also keep in mind that a roof is measured in squares. One square is equivalent to a 10x10 foot or 100 square foot section.

Contractors
Choosing the right roofing contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing materials. Shop around and seek multiple bids on your roof. You are looking for a roofer that is established, licensed, and bonded .

Before hiring a contractor, ask for references and verify their certificate of insurance and license. You may
also check the businesses' status with the Better Business Bureau and/or local chamber of commerce. Ask the contractor for a written estimate that contains details regarding all material charges, labor charges, a specified start date, and estimated completion date. Remember, when picking a contractor, the lowest bid isn't necessarily the best deal. Make sure that your payment method and workmanship warranty is specified in your contract.

In closing, knowing these basic points on roofing beforehand can help you choose the right materials and
contractor, at the right price, for your home.

For Great Insurance Quotes For Your Home / Auto / Business Please Contact Jason Shroot.

714-988-3325
jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com
jasonsellsinsurance.com

Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Both naturally occurring and a by-product of man-made combustion, carbon monoxide (CO), a clear and odorless gas, is poisonous to humans and animals.
Defective furnaces, fireplaces, flues, and oil heaters are most frequently responsible for accidental CO poisonings. When improperly vented, malfunctioning home appliances like furnaces and air-conditioners can slowly fill your home with CO.
In the United States, CO leaks are responsible for an estimated 500 deaths a year and more than 15,000 trips to the emergency room. However, as CO poisoning often goes unreported, the number of instances is most likely much higher.
What Can You Look For?

CO is dangerous because there tend to be no noticeable symptoms if an individual’s CO levels are at less than 10 percent in the bloodstream.
Above 10 percent, CO poisoning symptoms may mimic the flu or a cold. At that level, symptoms may include:
•Headache
•Fatigue

•Mild confusion
•Irregular breathing and heartbeat
•Nausea
•Coughing

Jason Shroot feel it especially important if everyone in the home is experiencing at least some of the symptoms, and pay particular attention if pets exhibit symptoms, since animals cannot get the flu.
When CO levels exceed 20 percent, the poisoning can be fatal.
What Should You Do?

If you suspect that you or members of your family are suffering from CO poisoning:
•Evacuate your home; get everyone outdoors immediately.
•Call 9-1-1 from another location.
•Report it to the fire department, even if everyone is feeling better.

How Can You Prevent CO Poisoning?

Taking a small amount of time to manage your home’s risks will greatly protect you and your family.
Have your furnace and gas appliances inspected and maintained by a qualified contractor once a year. This should be done before the start of the heating months.
And keep in mind that space heaters, ovens, and any gasoline-powered engines can cause a buildup of carbon monoxide. If you suspect the appliance or tool you’re using might be causing a buildup of CO, play it safe and open a window. If you’re working in the garage, open the door. Ventilation is a sure way to disperse a buildup of the gas.
Detection

Jason Shroot agrees that Installing a CO detector on each level of your home, and in or near each sleeping area. While you shouldn’t rely solely on CO detectors, having them properly placed throughout your home can serve as a good fail-safe.
Try to keep the detectors at least 20 feet from any fuel-burning appliances and at least 10 feet from high humidity locations like bathrooms and kitchens, as moisture can sometimes trigger faulty readings. Test the batteries of your detector regularly, and if an alarm sounds, call a professional to check your gas-burning appliances.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning.

Please Contact Jason Shroot For More Information On Protecting Your Home & Saving On Your Homeowners / Automobile  / Business Insurance.

714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

 

Electrical Outlet Safety

Electrical receptacle outlets in walls and floors may present shock and electrical fire hazards to consumers. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 3,900 injuries associated with electrical receptacle outlets are treated in hospital emergency rooms each year. Approximately a third of these injuries occur when young children insert metal objects, such as hair pins and keys, into the outlet, resulting in electric shock or burn injuries to the hand or finger. CPSC also estimates that electric receptacles are involved in 5,300 fires annually which claim 40 lives and injured 110 consumers.

Older homes may have receptacles which are damaged or which, otherwise, may have deteriorated over the years. Jason Shroot recalls in one case of a damaged receptacle, a woman suffered severe burns to her hand as she was plugging in a floor lamp. Part of the plastic faceplate of the outlet had broken away, allowing the prongs of the plug to bridge from the electrical contacts to the grounded strap, resulting in intense electrical arcing. Outlets also deteriorate from repeated use, from plugging-in and unplugging appliances as is often done in kitchens and bathrooms. As a result, when plugs fit loosely into receptacles, especially the two-prong ungrounded type, they may slip partially or completely out of the receptable with only slight movement of the attached cord. Receptacles in this condition may overheat and pose a serious fire hazard; if covered by a curtain or drape, the fire hazard is even greater.

Jason Shroot thinks that all consumers should have a licensed qualified contractor replace deteriorated and damaged receptacles and, at the same time, upgrade their home electrical system to present safety standards. The simplest and most effective method to protect against electrocution is through the installation of ground- fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) (as shown in FIGURE 3). If you wish to receive a copy of the Commission’s fact sheet on GFCls, send a postcard to “Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters, Washington, D.C. 20207,” and a copy will be sent promptly.

Another method of protection in the home is to install 3-wire receptacles which will accept either 2- or 3-prong plugs (as shown in FIGURE 2). This method, however, requires a grounding conductor which may or may not be available in the outlet box. The least acceptable method is installing another 2-wire receptacle that requires the use of an adapter for accepting 3-wire plugs (as shown in FIGURE 1). Even thought the tab on the adapter may be properly connected to the cover-plate screw, the grounding path may not be adequate to protect against ground faults.



Outlets with poor internal contacts or loose wire terminals may become overheated and emit sparks. Even a receptacle with nothing plugged into it may run hot if it is passing current through to other outlets on the same circuit. To prevent damage to receptacles, appliances should be switched-off before unplugging from a receptacle.

• Have a qualified electrician replace damaged receptacles or those which feel hot, emit smoke or sparks, those with loose fiffing plugs or those where plugged-in lamps flicker or fail to light.
• Do not unplug appliances by pulling on the cord at an angle. The brittle plastic face of the recepacle may crack nd break away, leaving live parts of the receptacle exposed.

To protect young children, Jason Shroot offers advice to parents that they should consider some precautions:

• Insert plastic safety caps into unused outlets within reach of young children.
• Be sure that plugs are inserted completely into receptacles so that no part of the prongs are exposed.

Reprinted from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

For More Information On How To Protect Your Home With The Proper Insurance Coverages at Low Costs Please Call Jason Shroot At 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com 

 

Rising Cost of Building Materials: Is Your Property's Dwelling Coverage Sufficient?

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH YOUR COVERAGES?

Insurance Journal recently cited a report indicating, “Commodity price volatility and the rising cost of raw materials such as steel are fuelling a rise in rebuilding costs for plants and facilities, particularly for companies operating in the energy sector.”

Jason Shroot recalls that this report went further on to warn us that this imbalance could potentially have disastrous consequences for individuals and companies that don’t increase their insurance coverage. They could learn that while they are insured against what can happen one minute from normal, their amount of coverage may be inadequate.
In charting a prudent risk management strategy, all companies, not just energy companies, need to regularly update the repair and replacement cost for their property, plant and equipment. In addition to price volatility and rising costs, the replacement cost for equipment can skyrocket. While computer hardware costs may go down, other areas of a business may require increased investment. A machine’s replacement cost could potentially be many times its original cost. This “new normal” must be accounted for.
Choosing the amount of insurance coverage necessary to resume operations is a careful balancing act requiring the help of seasoned professionals who can help you see the bigger picture. Because external issues will invariably change, both sides of the equation must be balanced on a regular basis. The risk management professionals at JASONSELLSINSURANCE will help your company determine if its amount of coverage is adequate to meet any changed circumstances.
Jason Shroot can assist you in reducing the overall cost of risk for clients by producing a greater value for each insurance dollar spent, while utilizing an enterprise risk management approach to engineer the optimal solution. We are dedicated to anticipating risk and helping firms recover from unplanned events that wait on the other side of one minute from normal.
To Identify and Correct Any Coverage Gaps In Your Insurance Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes or http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/

J.D. Power Ranks 25 Auto Insurers by Claims Performance

Insurance Networking News, October 27, 2011
Justin Stephani

For the fourth consecutive year, Auto-Owners Insurance took the top spot of J.D. Power and Associates’ “U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.” On a 1,000-point scale, Auto-Owners achieved a score of 890 and was the only insurer included in the rankings to receive a five-star rating.

State Farm (878), Amica Mutual (865), American Family (862) and The Hartford (858) rounded out the top five, respectively; they were the only four to receive four-star ratings. The rest of the field received three stars or less, including big-spenders such as GEICO (840), Progressive (836), Allstate (834) and MetLife (824).

The industry average for this year’s survey was a score of 846 and a three-star rating.
At an industry level, customer satisfaction was markedly higher when filing claims for repairable damages, as opposed to claimants incurring a total vehicle loss. In cases of the latter, satisfaction averaged 811; 42 points lower than among those filing repairable damage claims.

Did You Know That Jason Shroot Has Access To a Majority of These Top Rated Insurance Companies & Can Provide You With a Home / Auto / Business Insurance Quote For Your Review Today.

Please Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or www.JasonSellsInsurance.com

The three main contributors to the low satisfaction rate are communication, insurers must explain the claims process as well as be available to deliver new information and answer follow-up questions; speed, total loss claimants has to wait an extra six days on average when compared to the 12-day average of repairable damage claims; and fairness, knowing and understanding policies ahead of time and being made aware of out-of-pocket expenses as early as possible can avoid unpleasant surprises.

Speaking to auto insurance customers, J.D. Power and Associates’ insurance practice Senior Director Jeremy Bowler said, “It’s important for customers to examine the settlement offer and, in particular, verify the vehicle content and condition. The majority of customers who disputed their vehicle’s valuation most often cited differences concerning comparable vehicles (56 percent), vehicle condition (53 percent) and aftermarket accessories (18 percent).”

The 2011 “U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study” is based on more than 11,500 responses from auto insurance customers who filed a claim within the past 12 months. The study excludes claimants whose vehicle only incurred glass/windshield damage or was stolen, or who only filed roadside assistance claims. The study was fielded March through July 2011.

The top 25 insurers surveyed with their satisfaction scores are listed below:


1. Auto-Owners Insurance (890)
2. State Farm (878)
3. Amica Mutual (865)
4. American Family (862)
5. The Hartford (858)
6. COUNTRY (853)
7. Erie Insurance (851)
8. Travelers (848)
9. Nationwide (841)
10. GEICO (840)
11. California State Automobile Association (839)
12. Safeco (838)
13. Progressive (836)
14. The Hanover (835)
15. Allstate (834)
16. Liberty Mutual (830)
17. Mercury (825)
18. Automobile Clue of Southern California (824)
19. MetLife (824)
20. Automobile Club Group (821)
21. Farmers (804)
22. Esurance (800)
23. Encompass (789)
24. Commerce (772)
25. 21st Century (771)

USAA was listed separately with a five-star satisfaction score of 889, though they were not included in the rankings because they are not open to the general public.

Please Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 For a Free Competitive Insurance Quote Today.



Desperate Homeowners Turn To Arson - Insurance Fraud Alert

With the foreclosure crisis still rippling across the American economic landscape, some desperate property


owners may be turning to a drastic form of insurance fraud -- burning down their own homes.


Arson insurance fraud involves home and business owners setting fire to their properties so that they can get

insurance money to pay off loans and mortgages. While arson is nothing new, it may be especially enticing

to those who owe more on their mortgages than what their homes are worth, according to the Coalition

Against Insurance Fraud.

If a fire is an accident, or if a random arsonist sets fire to your property, your insurer will pay your claim.

However, if you set the fire on purpose (or if you hire someone to do it), your home or business insurance

company will not pay for it -- and you could end up in prison.


Arson is a serious crime in all 50 states, and the statistics are unsettling. According to the Insurance

Information Institute, more than 56,000 cases of arson were reported to the FBI in 2010. And this was

actually a drop from 2008, when 63,253 offenses were reported.


About 14 percent of arson cases are insurance-motivated, according to the Insurance Research Council,

and it's an expensive crime. Arson led to the destruction of nearly $800 million worth of property in 2010 --

down from about $1 billion worth of property damage in 2008, according to the National Fire Protection

Association.


Insurance companies and law enforcement alike have an interest in thoroughly investigating the true origin

of fires because arson can cause tragic loss of property and life -- and boost the cost of insurance for all

policyholders. In fact, many insurance companies now have special arson fraud divisions dedicated to

investigating suspected arson.

To See How Much Money You Could Save On Your

Home / Auto / Business Insurance.

Get Your Free Insurance Quotes Today By Calling Jason Shroot

at 714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

Got WATER? Having a Pool Party - Let's Check Your Insurance First....

It’s summer, and thoughts of Americans everywhere turn to water. Whether it’s in the pool, on the lake, at the ocean or in the river, water draws people almost magnetically as the weather turns hot. 

Swimming pools are popular but also present a risk to a homeowner. While homeowners are welcoming friends and family with a clear, clean pool, they’re also assuming significant financial risks by doing so. What’s more, they are unwittingly facing liability from strangers since pools are an attractive nuisance that can pose a risk to uninvited guests, children in the neighborhood and intruders. Homeowners can be found liable for injuries to uninvited guests.

Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years, reported the American Red Cross. Its survey of more than 1,000 adults showed that more than 90% of families with young children plan to be in the water this summer, and almost half (48%) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard. If that’s on your property, be prepared.

Insurance plays a key role in protecting consumers who have pools on their property. Homeowners and liability insurance cover bodily injury and liability protection in the event of an injury or claim. Plus, insurance carriers, by virtue of inspecting or requiring compliance with building codes, can make a swimming pool safer.

If you have a swimming pool:

1) Let us at Diversified Insurance your Trusted Choice^® insurance agent or insurance carrier know. Coverage is most likely to be provided if the structure and risks are known prior to a claim. Insurance carriers view pools as presenting a unique and heightened set of risks. Put simply, a swimming pool will increase the risk of property damage or a liability claim, as compared to a home without one.
Typically, a homeowners insurance policy covers property damage to a home and additional structures. An in-ground pool usually is considered an “additional structure” in insurance parlance, as are sheds and detached garages. An above-ground pool may be considered “personal property” and insured under that section of the homeowners policy.

Homeowners insurance also offers liability coverage in the event a homeowner is hit with a claim or lawsuit as a result of an incident in or near the swimming pool. Friends and family who are injured in a pool accident may not want to sue, but may need to sue in order to pay medical bills and replace lost income.

2) Check the amount of homeowners property coverage. A standard coverage amount for additional structures on a property is 10 percent of the amount written for the home itself. Thus, a $500,000 home might have $50,000 of property damage coverage for other structures. Ask your independent agent to help you determine the proper amount of property coverage.

3) Check the amount of homeowners liability coverage. One claim can pierce a standard homeowners liability insurance limit, so check with Diversified Insurance your Trusted Choice^® insurance professional to discuss increasing the limit and/or adding an umbrella policy. An umbrella (or excess liability) policy pays up to a limit (usually $1 million) for claims.

4) Check the perils covered. Homeowners insurance comes in a variety of types, and some policies protect against additional “perils” in addition to fire, lightning and windstorm. Other perils may be excluded. Check which type of policy you have and whether it suits your needs. For pool owners in the north, note that damage by freezing/thawing is usually not covered by homeowners insurance.

5) Check that your pool is up to code, and whether any features are specifically not permitted or insured. Plumbing, fencing and deck requirements all can vary by state and locality. A homeowner increases the risk of loss if a pool is not up to code. Additionally, amenities such as diving boards and slides are particularly hazardous and may be excluded by building code or can be uninsured.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control noted that drowning prevention requires appropriate adult supervision while children are in the water, as well as multiple layers of protection (such as four-sided isolation fencing, pool alarms, and locked gates) to keep children away from swimming pools.

If you have any questions about your insurance and how they relate to a swimming pool contact us here at Diversified Insurance Quotes or 714-988-3325!

Do You Hire Housekeepers To Clean Your Home?

Have You Ever Hired Maids To Help Clean Your Home?  

When one mentions employment practices liability insurance, most homeowners likely would think of
corporations, small businesses, hospitals, schools or commercial construction sites.

Yet according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, there were 917,120 maids and housekeepers employed in 2009. And households who hire residential employees should be aware of the potential risks associated with becoming an employer, because domestic employees also sue.


Homeowners must recognize that they become employers the moment a domestic employee first walks through the front door. This relationship exposes the homeowner and all household residents and guests to litigation for conduct toward domestic employees.

Consider the following scenarios:

1 The maid begins to feel like she has been sexually harassed because the husband often displays a bawdy sense of humor and tells obscene jokes

2 The wife makes a racially derogatory comment to a friend on the phone, which is overheard by the employee, who is later fired

3 The property manager brings a groundless sexual harassment lawsuit against his employer because he has fallen on hard economic times

4 The employer terminates the nanny because the employee was unwilling to do something illegal or immoral.

The above examples show how accusations of harassment and discrimination—originally found in the workplace—have entered into the perceived safety of the home as well.

Jeff Cox, president and CEO of Lloyd Bedford Cox Inc., with offices in Bedford Hills, N.Y., and Greenwich, Conn., said that his clients should know about significant exposures when they hire domestic help. "It’s amazing how quickly a relationship can turn south when there is a dispute and money is involved," he said.

Cox pointed out that his agency uses a "risk analysis interview" to identify its clients’ exposures. Once the agency assesses the clients’ lifestyles and realizes that they have domestic employees or are planning to hire someone, the conversation switches to personal-line employment practices liability (EPL) coverage.

"Clients are bound by the employment rules and regulations of their state, so we work with them and the carrier to insure proper coverage," Cox said. 

Liability
In today’s litigious society, inappropriate words from a guest to a housekeeper or a few seemingly innocent jokes can create a hostile work environment and ultimately cost a client thousands, if not millions, of dollars.

Moreover, homeowners are subject to wrongful employment allegations. According to reports from Jury Verdict Research, the median employment practices settlement for 1999-2005 was $75,000; this figure increased from the previous time period of 1997-2003, in which the settlement was $60,000. However, these settlements do not factor in the incalculable cost of a damaged reputation. Even if the allegations are false, substantial defense costs averaging more than $100,000 can result. Additionally, research has shown that juries have a tendency to be sympathetic to the plaintiff in these cases.

With today’s shrinking economy, some homeowners may decide they need to trim their domestic staff. Letting employees go may open homeowners to wrongful termination lawsuits. To help avoid a suit, a written agreement between homeowners and employees should contain an "employment at will" clause that allows termination without cause for any reason. 

Employers’ Responsibilities:Even conduct among the residential staff creates exposure. Clients often lose sight of their responsibilities as employers because the household is seen as a safe and informal space and verbal contracts are often vague.

Wealthy individuals often think of domestic employees as "part of the family" instead of maintaining a traditional employer/employee relationship. However, state and federal employment laws do apply to these relationships. Homeowners place themselves at high risk if they do not manage their staff by communicating clear rules and expectations. In fact, with the assistance of qualified legal counsel, homeowners should draft employment manuals and contractual agreements.

Household employers need to clearly communicate their expectations and keep a well-organized and documented human resources file on every employee. An appropriate household management assessment can provide clients with advice on hiring, legal issues and security measures with regard to household employees. Proper background checks, well beyond simple Internet research, are recommended for anyone working in the home.

Homeowners also need to know that they cannot totally control the work environment. They can be held liable for conduct that might be perceived as obscene, discriminatory or offensive. Thus, homeowners should take steps to educate themselves and their families about their responsibilities toward domestic help. Staff members also need to be trained on proper work conduct.

Employment Practices Liability:EPL insurance can provide coverage for settlements, legal fees and jury awards for insured employers accused or convicted of wrongful employment acts. In addition, this insurance sometimes includes

overage that can help pay public relations expenses to minimize damage to the homeowner’s reputation. 

Homeowners and umbrella policies exclude employment-related exposures. For the few insurance carriers that offer domestic EPL insurance, it may be offered as stand-alone or as an endorsement to a homeowners or excess liability policy. 

Homeowners need to be aware of the many liability exposures that are associated with hiring domestic help. "Clients should not be afraid of the risks, but understand that these realities do exist," Cox said. 

Clients of Jason Shroot & Diversified Insurance working closely to help their clients mitigate the risks and secure proper employment liability practices coverage in the event a loss does occur.  

For More Information Please Contact 

Jason @ 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com or http://www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com/