Consumers Remain in Denial about Planning for Long-Term Care

Consumers Remain in Denial about Planning for Long-Term Care According to New Study

Study Shows a Lack of Education on Future Long-Term Care Needs and Presents Opportunity for Their Trusted Advisors




KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The majority of adults believe that long-term care insurance should be purchased between the ages of 45-64, yet 82 percent of this age group have not purchased a policy, finds a new study from the 3in4 Association. The study, sponsored by Genworth Financial, also shows that since the 2008 financial crisis, only 20 percent of adults have taken any action on their financial strategy and almost half of respondents do not expect to add anything to their plan in the next two years.

"Many people are in a state of paralysis from the economic downturn and are unsure about what to do next. Our goal is to shift their focus from the present to the future and to what they may require as they age," says Margie Barrie, Vice President, 3in4 Association. "Long term care planning specialists can play a large role in helping clients plan for their potential long-term care needs in order to protect their assets in retirement."  Jason Shroot definitely agrees with the idea of having a long term solution for your long term needs.  Please contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes or please visit http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/.

According to the study, younger respondents, the 25-44 age group, are most likely to want more information about long-term care compared to older respondents (65 years or older). This presents an opportunity for long-term care planning specialists, as less than half of those in this younger age group reported turning to a planning expert for information on long-term care.
"Younger generations are especially in need of education on the importance of long-term care as they create and review their financial plans," says Barrie. "We know that 3 in 4 people will need more coverage than for regular healthcare as they age, so a plan that addresses long-term care needs is essential.

About the Study: Sponsored by Genworth Financial for the 3in4 Association, the study was conducted August 17-21, 2011, and surveyed 1,073 adults ages 25 years and older, with incomes of $50,000 and above.

About the 3in4 Association: The 3 in 4 Need More campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of long-term care planning. The campaign utilizes multiple marketing strategies to increase awareness. The 3 in 4 Need More campaign is a public service of the 3in4 Association, which operates as a nonprofit 501(C)(6) corporation. Members of the campaign cross all industries, genders and ages. The campaign supports an online platform located at www.3in4needmore.com. This resource supports consumer plan development, and products and services that should be considered in long-term care planning. The platform also provides awareness support for long-term care planning specialists.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.Send2Press.com.   SOURCE 3in4 Association.

PLEASE CALL JASON SHROOT AT 714-988-3325 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR LONG-TERM CARE NEEDS.  Jason Can Also Be Reached at www.jasonsellsinsurance.com or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com



Are You Planning To Remodel Your Home?

Are You Looking To Remodel Your Home?



You may be looking for ways to improve your home. Perhaps you want to upgrade your heating system or replace a leaky roof. Or add on that sunroom you’ve always wanted. Before you get started, Jason Shroot Knows that you'll want to know how that remodeling project could affect your insurance needs.


Update Your California Homeowners Insurance....

Whether you're updating your kitchen or adding on another room, a remodeling project will likely add value to your home. As a result, you'll want to check the property coverage limits on your homeowners policy to make sure that they reflect any changes you make to your home, no matter how small or large the improvements may be.


And if you're adding on to your house, you'll want the addition specifically mentioned in your policy. If it's not, your insurance company may not provide coverage for damages that occur to the new room.


If You Hire Someone To Do The Remodeling . . .


If you hire someone to do the remodeling, you'll want to make sure that he or she is properly insured. Any contractor that you hire should have a certificate of coverage for both workers' compensation and contractor's liability insurance.


Workers' compensation coverage protects you from liability claims that can result from a contractor (or his or her employees) getting hurt on the job. Contractor's liability insurance provides coverage for damages to your property caused by the contractor during remodeling.


If you hire a general contractor who is planning on handing off some of the work to a subcontractor (or if you plan on acting as a general contractor yourself), you'll also want to get a copy of the subcontractor's proof of insurance.


For The Do-It-Yourself Remodeling Project . . .


Before jumping into a home improvement project, make sure that you're prepared in case an accident occurs. If someone helping you on a remodeling project is hurt, his or her injuries will be covered under the liability portion of your homeowners policy. You may also want to look into a personal umbrella liability policy, which provides coverage above and beyond your regular homeowners insurance and is especially important if you have significant assets that you need to protect.


Here Are Some Other Tips By Jason Shroot...


• Before you get started, make sure that your remodeling project meets local building codes--otherwise, damages may not be covered by insurance

• Check with your local Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints have been filed against any contractor you are hiring, and ask to see the contractor's license


• Get copies of the contractor's insurance coverage--have the insurance agency or company send the certificate directly to you


• Check your homeowners policy (or your contractor's insurance policy) to make sure that building materials and other uninstalled items (e.g., carpet, tile, cabinets) stored on your property are covered against theft and vandalism


• Keep your insurance agent up-to-date about any improvements to your home--he or she can help make sure that you are adequately covered at all times

For More Information On How Updating  Your Home Could Effect Your Homeowners Insurance Policy Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Are Burglars Watching Your Social Media Updates?

Are Burglars Watching Your Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin Status Updates?

Spending your days tweeting away might be a great way to share news with friends and family, but it’s also an increasingly risky way to get robbed.

Social media applications like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and other popular forms of real-time communication are also growing in popularity among the criminally-minded.

To put it plain and simple, real-time sharing may provide the perfect way to hook up with friends on short notice or simply stay in touch throughout the day, but it also informs others that you are away from home.

Recent reports on CBS News and information from police stations throughout the nation indicate a dramatic rise in opportunistic criminals that use information gained from social media websites to plan and target a home invasion while the owner is away.


There are several ways to help combat the risk of home invasion or robbery, but each requires a bit of discipline.

Following are some things to keep in mind.

Home Alone: Never share information about children or vulnerable persons who may be home alone.

True Friends: Limit your network to people you can really trust, or consider using two different accounts - one for casual friends and another for family.

After-Effects: Rather than sharing in real-time, consider sending out a status report after the big event. Remember, it’s still possible to use a cell phone to make actual calls rather than texting.

Please Contact Jason Shroot For The BEST Home / Auto / Business Insurance Rates & To Ensure Proper Insurance Coverages. 

Jason Shroot Can Be Reached Directly at 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com.  Please Visit Jason @ www.JasonSELLSinsurance.com

A Short Term Flood Extension Funds NFIP Until October 4, 2011

The House of Representatives passed a short term funding bill that will prevent a shutdown of the federal government and continue funding for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until Tuesday Oct. 4.

When they return from recess Congress has the option to consider short term extension slated to continue funding until Nov. 18, 2011, according to the Federal Alert published by PCI.



The effort prevents the lapse of the NFIP scheduled by the last short term extension to be today, Sept. 30, 2011.


For additional information pleae contact your local agent of insurance Jason Shroot at http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/ or 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

Hired and Non-Owned Business Auto Exposures

Are You Protecting Your Business Properly?


In today’s litigious society, accident claimants will often seek recovery from as many sources as


can be found. It’s not difficult to imagine scenarios wherein any company with employees (and


possibly not even operating from a physical location) can still be sued based on non-owned auto


liability in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident.

The classic example exists of an employee using their personal vehicle for a work errand. At the

accident site, the employee mentions, “I was just on an errand for XYZ Company,” and XYZ

Company ends up being named in an ensuing lawsuit, particularly if the employee doesn’t have

sufficient liability limits on his personal auto policy.


Or what if the owner of a company—still with “no owned autos”—is involved in a serious accident

and the claimant realizes the owner has most of his personal wealth in his company? The

claimant will likely include the company in his lawsuit, and without specific coverage for nonowned

auto liability, the insurance program would not protect the insured in these instances.


Hired auto exposures arise differently, but again, it’s not difficult to anticipate situations where

an employee or officer of a company may suddenly need to travel and rent an auto, and if it’s in

the course of business, to assume it’s covered by the company’s insurance. Hired auto physical

damage exposure occurs here as well, but again, without specific coverage in place prior to an

accident, a company may be looking at an uninsured claim.


Almost every operating business entity has liability exposures from hired and non-owned auto liability, and frequently for hired physical damage as well, whether or not the business owns any autos.
A good commercial agent, like JASON SHROOT knows that not only do their clients need this coverage, the lack of the coverage can lead to a real nighmare to any business owner who chooses to ignore this risk exposure.

Please Contact Jason Shroot directly by calling 714-988-3325 and learn more about your commercial insurance policy's risk management pratices.  Also reach Diversified Insurance Quotes by emailing Jason at jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com or visiting www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

 

5 Tips For Protecting Your Home !

Here Are Some Great Tips For Protecing Your Beautiful California Home!

From Our Friends at Chubb Insurance

If you own a house that is located along the ocean, bay or within a coastal county, your home may be vulnerable to wind damage caused by a hurricane or Nor' Easter. It is important to take preventative measures to help protect your family, home and possessions. Here are some things you can do.

Protect Personal Belongings & Important Documents:
Jewelry & Collectibles. Valuables should be inventoried and stored in a secure location (such as an inland bank safety deposit box). If off-site storage is not possible, then place these items in a waterproof container and store in an interior closet.

Personal Documents. Keep all important papers such as legal papers, birth certificates, marriage license, financial papers, and insurance policy information in a bank safe deposit box or other off-site storage, or in waterproof containers.

Damage Prevention Steps When a Storm Approaches:

Clear loose objects. Bring outside patio and lawn furniture, potted plants, and outdoor bicycles and toys indoors. Help your neighbor bring in their backyard items as well so these items do not become flying objects that impact your home. Be sure all awnings are closed and secured. Tie down any other loose items that may become projectiles in a high wind.

Reinforce windows & doors. If your windows and doors are not wind and impact resistant, plywood can be used as last minute protection. However, be sure it is strongly secured.

Reinforce your garage door. If you do not have a storm bar or other garage door reinforcement, you may want to back up your car against the inside of your garage door to help prevent it from "twisting" due to high winds.

Move furniture and household fixtures. Move them away from exterior door and window openings. If possible, elevate these items and cover them with plastic.

Secure household appliances. Appliances, including personal computers, should be unplugged and stored away in cabinets or interior closets.

Test and refuel your backup generator. If you've installed a gas-powered generator as a backup power supply in your home, regularly test it to ensure that it is operational at the time you need it. When a storm approaches, run another quick test and make sure that plenty of fuel is available.

Preparing an Emergency Supply Kit


Assemble and maintain an emergency supply kit throughout the hurricane season. Items should be stored in a watertight container.
Water-minimum 1 gallon per day, per person for one week is needed. Two quarts are for drinking and 2 quarts are for food preparation or sanitation. When a storm approaches, fill empty containers and a bathtub with water as an additional emergency supply.

Food-a one-week supply of non-perishable food. Remember a non-electric can opener, cooking tools, camping stove, paper plates, and plastic utensils. Remember special dietary needs for infants, the elderly or pets.

Clothing -rain gear, sturdy shoes.

First aid kit - painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen, an assortment of bandages and gauze pads, antiseptic, latex gloves, first aid cream, scissors, tweezers, and a thermometer. Also include a two-week supply of prescription drugs.

Flashlights and batteries - using candles for light can pose a fire hazard.

Battery-operated radio - to help you stay informed of severe weather updates.

Cash

Bleach & antibacterial soap

Toilet paper and personal hygiene items

Plastic bags and tarps

Matches

Pillows and blankets

Store your kit in a place commonly known to all family members. Replace and/or refresh items in your kit every six months.
Prepare an "Action Plan" in the Event of an Evacuation

Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plan and know your evacuation route. Check with The American Civil Defense Association for the safest escape route in the event of a flood warning.

Have a predetermined destination in mind so you can quickly relocate to a shelter or relative's house. Select a common meeting place or single point of contact for all family members in case you are separated through the evacuation process.

All vehicles should be fueled well in advance of evacuation. Gas will be hard to come by. Power failures will render gas pumps inoperable.

Make sure your cell phone has a full charge, and bring along the charger.

Always stay informed of approaching storms by monitoring local television and radio stations for severe weather updates.

If You Are Unable to Evacuate

Identify a "shelter" room in your home. This enclosed area should be on the first floor, in the central part of the house and with no windows. When the storm gets bad, go there. Avoid all unprotected windows and doors until the storm passes.

Remain in contact with neighbors. Others who are riding out a storm may need your help and you may need theirs.

Use your emergency supply of water or boil any water before drinking, until official word is given that the water is safe.

After the storm passes, beware of loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the proper authorities.

Understand Your Insurance Coverage


Review your homeowners policy with your agent or broker so you understand the amount you will receive in the event of a covered loss and if it will be adequate to rebuild your home. Also know the amount of your deductible and any special provisions in your policy such as wind exclusions.

Know your responsibilities such as installing shutters, making arrangements to have your home secured if you are away, and verifying that emergency generators and sump pumps are functioning.

Homeowner's policies usually do not cover loss due to flooding. However, coverage can be purchased from the federal government. Ask your agent about the details or contact the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-427-4661.

For More Great Risk Management Tips From Your Local Insurance Agent Jason Shroot Please Contact

714-988-3325 or

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com or www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

  
 

Do You Drive Fast? Here Are 5 Ways To Lower Your CA Insurance Rates

Are you a high-risk driver?

Here are five ways to get back on your auto insurance company’s good side...

If you’ve been labeled “high risk” because of too many auto insurance claims, auto accidents or traffic tickets, your auto insurance company might just drop you faster than Charlie Sheen drops cuss words.

If that happens, your only recourse may be to seek coverage from an auto insurance company specializing in covering high-risk drivers. And that’ll mean considerably more money out of your pocket to pay for higher auto insurance premiums — as much as 50 percent higher.

Insurance broker Steve Brooks says it’s possible to stay on your car insurance company’s bad side for anywhere from three to 10 years. But that period could last longer if you trip up by exhibiting even more bad behavior, such as racking up several traffic tickets.

Too many traffic tickets or auto accident claims can get you classified as a high-risk driver by your auto insurance company.

But take heart, high-risk driver. Hyacinth Tucker, a spokesman for Allstate, says there are five things you can do to get back in the good graces of your auto insurance company in as little as three years and become a “good risk” driver:

• Ask for a rate review. Although it’s not common, it is possible for insurance companies to make mistakes that could be bumping you up to the high-risk category. For instance, a traffic ticket could be showing up on your driving record when it already was supposed to have dropped off.
• Know your numbers. Check your credit score and compare it with the score your auto insurance company is using to determine rates. Also, make sure errors on your credit report are corrected to help boost your FICO score and, ultimately, knock you off the high-risk list.

• Go back to school. Take a defensive driving course offered through groups like AAA as well as through some auto insurance companies and municipalities. If an auto insurance company sees you’re trying to correct your risky ways, it may be inclined to take you off the high-risk list and drop your rates a bit.
• Be loyal. Don’t constantly jump from auto insurance company to company. Establishing a strong relationship with one company shows you’re stable and aren’t the risk you once were.
• Stay current. Pay your premiums on time. This fosters trust between you and your insurance company.
While not all circumstances are the same, Tucker offers the four most common reasons for being labeled a high-risk driver:
1. Low credit score. A score of 650 or less indicates to an auto insurance company that you’re likely to file a claim, be irresponsible with your car (leave it unlocked in a parking lot) or get a traffic ticket.
2. Excessive claims or traffic tickets. This means two or more claims (for damage, theft, vandalism and so forth) or two or more traffic tickets in two to three years, depending on where you live.
3. Insurance hopping. Bouncing from one auto insurance company to another year after year, or changing companies at least three times in five years, shows instability. In this scenario, the insurance company views you as less desirable because it’s not collecting premiums from you over an extended period.
4. Lapse in coverage. Going a month or two, or even a few days, without coverage signals that there’s a pattern of failing to pay your premiums, even if non-payment is not the reason for the lapse. Regardless of the reason, this situation brands you as unreliable.
“Getting a DUI and having your license suspended or revoked also propel you into the high-risk category,” says Brooks, who is president of B & B Premier Insurance Solutions, an insurance brokerage in Agoura Hills, Calif.
What happens if you’re high risk?
Brooks estimates that if you’re deemed a high-risk driver, you’ll probably see your rates soar anywhere from 20 percent to 50 percent. Of course, you’re pretty much assured that you won’t qualify for a good driver discount.
“To compensate for the rate hike, many high-risk customers change their coverage to include higher deductibles and lower coverage to keep rates affordable or near the level they were before being bumped up to a high-risk level,” Tucker says.
Tucker says a high-risk designation even could lead to your policy not being renewed.
“Car insurance companies often cut their losses if you fall into the high-risk category because of the greatly increased chance they’ll have to pay out on several claims,” Brooks says.
If that happens, you’ll have to shop for non-standard auto insurance — coverage sold to drivers who can’t buy insurance at standard or preferred rates. Insurance companies like Diversified Insurance Quotes specialize in providing this type of high-risk coverage.

“Non-standard coverage may be similar to traditional coverage, but you’re going to pay significantly more for that coverage because of the risk you pose to the insurance company,” Brooks says.

For More Information Or For a FREE No OBLIGATION Auto Insurance Quote Please Contact:

Jason Shroot

714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

Got a Boat..Get Insurance From Jason Shroot

Firstly, watercraft insurances cover for collision and comprehension accidents. The collision coverage bears the cost for any damage incurred to your boat due to collision whereas comprehensive coverage will cover for non-collision damages, such as fire and theft.

Collision coverage pays for any damage caused to your boat due to collision whereas comprehensive coverage covers for any damages other than collision such as fire and theft. This type of coverage will bear the expenses of repairing your boat, regardless of who is at fault.

Furthermore, liability coverage is also one of the protections provided by watercraft insurance. If an accident occurs and you are found to have legal obligations to the incident, watercraft insurance will help you with compensation for injuries and property damages to the victim of the accident.






Thirdly, medical payment is also one of the watercraft insurance coverage. This pays for the medical costs which result from a boating accident. It covers you, your passenger or even those who ski behind you. Furthermore, it will protect you regardless of who is at fault.






In addition, watercraft insurance provides for emergency assistance. . If you are stuck in the seas, you will not have to panic. Gas and battery will be delivered to you right away once you call your insurance agency over the radio. Besides, this type of coverage also include towing your boat too, if it is too broken to sail.






Fifthly, watercraft insurance ensures your safety on board by giving unattached equipment coverage. Unattached equipments are those which are used frequently but not permanently attached to your watercraft. This coverage will bear the expenses of replacing or repairing your fire extinguisher, anchor, life jackets or buoys.






Finally, fuel spill and wreckages is also one of the coverage options of watercraft insurance. If anything disastrous happens, your ship might sink or be seriously damaged until the extent that it could leak oil and you will be liable for cleaning it up. Watercraft insurances will pay reasonable costs in order to help you to with this.

Please Call Jason Shroot For More Information on Your Boat or Yacht Insurance Needs.

714-988-3325

www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

Condo Insurance For Dummies 2011

Condominium insurance also known as a HO-6 Policy, has many little nuances that the common person should know about.  There is one area of Condo Insurance that I think is very vital and often times gets overlooked by newer agents trying to close a deal on price and by clients who may not have a full knowledge of this type of coverage.

Call Jason Shroot @ 714-988-3325

 

The area I want to address is called “Building Property.” Not “Personal Contents!” Let me explain the difference. Personal contents is everything that would fall to the ground if you turned your place upside down. Building property is the more permanent types of fixtures, or as some banks call it “Walls In.” let me give a few examples. Kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, tile flooring, carpet, bathroom cabinets, improvements on a staircase, etc…

Now here is where I want to caution the common person. Please evaluate the cost of all that Building Peroperty in your Condo, especially if you did upgrades or remodeling. Review your policy with your insurance company or agent and make sure you have enough “Building Property” coverage to cover it if there was a giant loss due to flooding from the upstairs or due to fire.

Call Jason Shroot @ 714-988-3325
This is an absolutely vital area of coverage that needs to be there on your policy! And we all know there are a lot of Condo’s in this Orange County area. Do not confuse this coverage with the “Master” or HOA policy your Association may carry on the structure of your property and the common areas. Those Master policies will not cover the inside of your home.

Please Contact Jason Shroot at Diversified Insurance Solutions For More Information On The Proper Way To Protect Your Condominium at 714-988-3325.

D&O Liability: Insuring Against Merger Objection Suits

D&O Liability: Insuring Against Merger Objection Suits


7 Apr 2011
By Janine Sagar
http://onespot.wsj.com/small-business/2011/04/07/1e84c/dampo-liability-insuring-against-merger

There's been a big rise in number of 'merger objection' suits filed against companies.

The number of securities class action lawsuits filed against directors and officers may be below historical averages, but cases of another kind – those brought against the directors of companies being acquired, known as ‘merger objection’ lawsuits – are springing up like weeds, according to a new report from the research firm Advisen.

The Advisen report, ‘Merger objection lawsuits: a threat to primary D&O insurers?’, notes that, until recently, directors’ and officers’ (D&O) insurers haven’t needed to worry too much about this kind of litigation because defense costs were usually low. Settlements were not normally big because the suits would typically seek an injunction and reimbursement of attorney fees. Today, however, ‘hundreds are being filed,’ says Dave Bradford, executive vice president and co-founder of Advisen. ‘They’re almost a cost of doing business. If you’re a company of a certain size and you announce you’re being acquired or merging with another company, you can almost expect to be sued.’ Indeed, the number of merger objection suits filed in the US has spiked from 18 in 2003 to 334 in 2010. This is not the result of increased M&A activity, either: transaction announcements dropped sharply, from 375 to around 252, between 2007 and 2010.

So what has caused the spike? According to Bradford and Dan Bailey, chair of the D&O liability practice group at Bailey Cavalieri in Columbus, Ohio, the plaintiff’s bar is largely to blame. With fewer securities class action lawsuits being filed, lawyers representing shareholders in merger objection cases are after the attorney fee awards that often accompany decisions in the plaintiffs’ favor, which amount to around $500,000 per case, on average, Advisen reports.

Another contributory factor is the recession, which has led to more deals being done ‘at depressed prices relative to pre-recession valuations,’ the report states. ‘Not surprisingly, shareholders sometimes were dissatisfied with the outcomes.’ There’s also a degree of opportunism, with plaintiff attorneys aggressively pursuing cases in the knowledge that ‘companies are often willing to quickly settle suits that threaten to hold up a deal,’ Advisen notes. And while suits may still settle for relatively small amounts, D&O liability insurers still need to be wary of multiple costs being caused by just one event: a single deal can trigger many lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions.

Characteristics of merger objection cases

Unlike typical class action lawsuits brought by a subset of shareholders who bought stock during a specific period, merger objection suits are usually brought by all the company’s shareholders. The allegations differ, too.
‘The plaintiffs in [merger objection] cases claim the defendant directors breached their fiduciary duties in their investigation, evaluation and negotiation of a merger,’ explains Bailey. ‘They allege that, because the board didn’t do its job properly, the price paid to the shareholders was inadequate. It’s often alleged that there’s a conflict of interest for some of the board members and, as a result, the directors are looking out not for the shareholders’ best interests but for their own.’ That’s unlike class action suits, which allege the directors and officers failed to disclose a material fact and the plaintiffs/shareholders bought the company’s stock at an inflated price as a result.

Perhaps most significant for directors – and their insurers – are the differences in the relief shareholders seek in these actions and the exposure defendants face. ‘In class action cases, directors and officers are exposed to huge damages because each share that’s bought during the period has a multi-dollar loss, so you multiply the number of shares by some dollar loss per share and you get these huge numbers,’ explains Bailey. ‘In [merger objection] cases, the damages are usually lower because they amount to what the purchase price would have been if the defendants had done their jobs properly. The shareholders are seeking a bump-up in the price paid to them for their shares.’ For this reason, merger objection cases are often referred to as ‘bump-up’ claims.

Bradford, who has spent 30 years in the insurance industry as an underwriter and product developer, describes the other types of relief shareholders in merger objection cases request. ‘Usually the shareholders are looking for some kind of injunctive relief,’ he says. ‘They’re looking for something to change: they want a better deal, a broader auction process, a wider search for bids on the company. They usually don’t want [the merger] to stop dead-cold.’ Sometimes shareholders demand something as simple as more information about the merger.
While merger objection claims don’t pose as great a risk to directors as class action suits, one feature is important: where they’re filed. Unlike securities class action lawsuits typically filed in federal court, some 80 percent of merger objection suits are filed in state court.
‘Sometimes cases involving the same announcement will be filed in federal court and several state courts,’ says Bradford. ‘That’s one of the worst aspects of these suits: there’s no process to consolidate them like there is for securities class action suits. That’s why they’re annoying – you have to deal with them individually.’ And the average number of jurisdictions is growing. ‘In some instances, as many as six different jurisdictions are involved,’ adds Bradford.
The cost of objection
While merger objection suits don’t usually result in huge damages awards, ‘they do take some cost to defend and to pay the plaintiff,’ says Bailey. According to the Advisen report, therefore, D&O insurers ‘need to be concerned about the aggregation of losses arising from one event.’
Kevin LaCroix of OakBridge Insurance Services says the prevalence of these suits ‘changes the way we think about the needs of the D&O insurance policy. Our default analysis is toward the securities class action lawsuit exposure but, increasingly, it is other types of lawsuits that are producing corporate and securities litigation. You are going to have higher frequency and lower severity claims producing heightened loss for the primary and first level excess carriers.’
Many D&O liability policies contain what’s called a bump-up exclusion, says Bailey. ‘That doesn’t mean the directors and officers lose coverage for a bump-up claim,’ he says. ‘The exclusion provides that the policy is not going to pay for the transaction costs. But the defense of the directors and officers who get sued will be covered and usually the settlement will be covered.’ Merger objection suits have almost become an occupational hazard for directors, according to Bradford, but board members in the throes of a merger or acquisition can do a couple of things to lessen their chances of being named in one. ‘First, you have to make sure none of the directors or officers has a conflict and none of them is involved with the acquiring company or other companies that would benefit from the transaction,’ he suggests. ‘If the conflict is significant enough, the directors at issue need to recuse themselves from discussions and from voting on the transaction.’

The other thing directors can do is disclose the imminence and the particulars of the merger or acquisition to the shareholders, Bradford adds. ‘Do this as soon as possible,’ he advises.

Please Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 To Learn More About Protecting Your Business.

Diversified Insurance Solutions

http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/

California Licensed Agent

Why Should I Choose Mercury Insurance?

Low Rates & A Dedicated Local Agent -

A Winning CombinationMercury Insurance recently posted on their website the top 10 reasons why you should choose a policy with them. At Insurance Solutions we are a proud partner of Mercury Insurance and think everyone should be aware of what is to be offered and how we can both save you money!

1) Commitment: Since Mercury opened the doors, millions of dollars have been saved for customers and the commitment to continue providing the best insurance possible is a core value.

2) Trust: From 2007 to 2009 Mercury Insurance was named one of the most trustworthy companies making it one of only ten companies to receive the award consecutively for three years.

3) Expert Advice: The independent agents are always here to work out the best plan for our customers even if that is customizing a policy to better cover a client’s needs.

4) Fraud Protection: Mercury formed the first ever fraud investigation unit, working with federal officials who were responsible for hundreds of arrests and returning money to the customers who were targeted.

5) 24/7 Claims Service: Since the day does not stop at 5 p.m. the agents are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to file your claims.

6) Discounts: Auto discounts are offered to good drivers, students, cars with anti-theft protections, multi-car policies, professional associations, and occasional drivers. Why not be rewarded?
7) Financial Strength: Mercury consistently earns “A” ratings from A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s, two of the industry’s most influential rating agencies.
8) Protection: Mercury has been protecting families since 1962, so you know we’ll be there when you need us most.
9) Guaranteed Repairs: We guarantee the repairs done on your car for as long as you own it, as Mercury has authorized repair shops, we wouldn’t send you anywhere we wouldn’t take our own cars.

10) Satisfaction: More than 95% of Mercury customers choose to renew their policies, and only exceptional customer satisfaction can produce renewal rates that high.

For a Free No-Obiligation Mercury Insurance Quote For Your Home / Auto / Business Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325

5 Things Home Insurance Won't Cover

5 Things Your Homeowners Insurance Won't Cover
Does your home insurance cover mold damage, sewage backup or flooding? If you're not sure, you need to read about these five common home insurance exclusions. Then, compare home insurance quotes with a licensed agent and make sure you're never caught unprepared.
1. Floods, Earthquakes and Landslides

As many homeowners found out in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, flood insurance is not covered under a standard home insurance policy. For protection against floods, as well as protection against damage from earthquakes and landslides, you’ll need to purchase separate insurance policies.

2. Sewage Backup

Sewage backup usually isn’t covered by home insurance unless you’ve purchased a separate rider. So if a toilet overflows and you have to hire a professional crew to mop up the mess, you’ll probably be left footing the bill.

3. Aggressive Dog Breeds

Depending on your location, insurer and other factors, your home insurance may not cover liability cases caused by the following dog breeds:

o Pit bulls
o Staffordshire Terriers
o Doberman Pinschers
o Rottweilers
o Chows
o Akitas
o Presa Canarios
o Wolf-hybrids
4. Neglect

Insurers expect homeowners to care for their homes and repair minor problems. This includes sealing cracks, minimizing water damage, fixing damaged pipes, scheduling regular inspections and more.

So, for instance, if mold spreads throughout your home due to a leaky pipe that went unchecked, your insurer probably won’t cover the damage.

5. Luxury Items

If you keep especially valuable items in your home, you probably need to purchase additional theft liability coverage. Most standard home insurance policies only cover up to $1,500 for damage or theft. Items that may require additional coverage include:

o Jewelry
o Antiques
o High-end electronics
o Collectibles

To learn more about home insurance exclusions and to make sure you have the right coverage for your home, speak with an experienced home insurance agent like Jason Shroot today by calling 714-988-3325 or emailing jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com.

New California Carbon Monoxide Laws

New California Carbon Monoxide Laws

As of January 1, 2011, all single-family residences (whether owner or tenant occupied) that have a fossil fuel heater or appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage are required to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. All multi-unit residences have until January 2, 2013 to comply with the requirement. The legislation also includes maintenance provisions identical to that for smoke detector maintenance in properties that are tenant occupied. For more information, visit: http://www.ca.gov/

What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

Carbon monoxide, sometimes called the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless and tasteless poison gas that can be fatal when inhaled. It is produced when burning fossil fuels like gasoline, propane, coal, natural gas, oil, charcoal, kerosene, or wood. If you have a fire, you have CO.

Carbon monoxide is also produced by products and equipment powered by internal combustion engines, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers. Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves and fuel-burning appliances, like furnaces, gas ranges/stoves, water heaters and room heaters produce CO, too.

What Should I Do When My CO Alarm Sounds?

•Never ignore a CO alarm! It is warning you of a potentially deadly situation.
•Do not try to find the source of the CO.
•Move everyone outside immediately.
•Call emergency services, the fire department or 911.
•After calling, do a head count to ensure everyone is safely out of the building.
•Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders tell you it is safe.
•If a malfunctioning appliance is the source of the CO, do not operate the appliance until it has been properly serviced by a qualified technician.

How Can I Prevent CO Poisoning?

•Properly equip your home or business with carbon monoxide alarms/detectors, per state requirements and manufacturer’s instruction.
•Have the heating system, vents, chimneys and flues inspected annually by a qualified technician. The inspector should also check your chimneys and flues for any blockages, corrosion, partial and complete disconnections, and loose connections.
•Install and operate appliances according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
•Only purchase appliances that have been approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
•Never use a gas stove, oven or clothes dryer to heat your home.
•Never leave your car idling in the garage, even with the door open.
•Never operate a portable generator or any gasoline engine-powered tool in or near an enclosed space. Even with doors and windows open, these spaces can trap CO and allow it to quickly build to lethal levels.
•Never use portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a building, garage, vehicle or tent, unless specifically designed for use in an enclosed space. Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
•Never burn charcoal inside a building, garage, vehicle, or tent
•Never operate unvented, fuel-burning appliances in any room where people are sleeping.
•Ensure that appliance vents and chimneys are not blocked by tarps or debris when renovating.
What are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?

Because CO is odorless, colorless, and otherwise undetectable to the human senses, you may not realize you are being exposed to dangerous levels of CO. Symptom severity is directly related to both the CO level and the duration of your exposure. For slowly developing residential CO problems, occupants, and sometimes physicians, can mistake mild to moderate CO poisoning for the flu. This can lead to tragic deaths. For rapidly developing, high-level CO exposures (like in many cases of generators in residential spaces), victims can quickly become mentally confused, lose muscle control or even die without having first experienced milder symptoms.

Symptoms of mild to moderate poisoning:
•Flu-like symptoms without a fever
•Dizziness
•Slight to throbbing headache
•Shortness of breath
•Nausea and vomiting
•Sleepiness
•Fatigue or weakness
•Disorientation or mental confusion
•Fast heart rate

Symptoms of severe poisoning:

•Serious disorientation and mental confusion
•Loss of muscular coordination
•Convulsions
•Loss of consciousness
•Brain damage
•Heart and lung failure
•Ultimately, death

How are Dangerous Levels of CO Produced?

Any fuel-burning appliance that is malfunctioning or improperly installed can cause CO problems. Vehicles, generators and other combustion engines running in an attached or enclosed garage are very dangerous. A blocked chimney or flue, cracked or loose furnace exchanger, back drafting, changes in air pressure, or operating a grill in an enclosed space can also cause deadly concentrations of CO.

What the Risks Related to CO Exposure?

According to the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. On average, 450 people in the United States die each year from CO produced by non-automotive consumer products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that an additional 20,000 people end up in hospital emergency rooms every year to be treated for CO poisoning.

For More Information & Quotes On Your Homeowners / Auto / Business Insurance Please Contact Diversified Insurance Solutions at 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequtoes.com

7 Money Saving Tips For Lower Electric Bills

How Low Can Your Electric Bill Go?

Well, the answer, of course, is up to you. Unfortunately, if you're like most energy consumers, you're flying blind. In fact, you probably know more about your credit card purchases than the energy you buy.

Credit card statements are typically available online and provide almost hourly updates on purchases. By contrast, you have little more than a monthly utility bill to understand your energy use. You can look back at past energy consumption, but you certainly can't see it in real time - when you could actually make choices that affect your energy use.

And that's bad, because studies have consistently shown that consumers make smart choices that save them money once they're aware of their energy use.
Here Comes the Smart Grid, Here Come the Savings

Thanks to funds from the federal stimulus program and renewed attention to the so-called “smart grid,” 2011 may just be the year that you begin using home energy in an entirely new way.
The new meters will allow homeowners to access data about their hour-by-hour energy use via text message, phone or on CA Energy's website. Customers will be able to monitor their daily energy use, get a projected bill for the month and compare their use with the average California Energy customer.

What You Can Do Now
As a brave new world of home energy management is ushered in, the day may soon come when a smart meter tied into a countertop display allows you to control thermostats, intelligent light sockets and power strips - even from your office computer or cell phone. With your permission, high wattage devices such as air conditioning units, electric water heaters and pool pumps will cycle down during times of peak demand. And consumer electronics devices, which now consume over half the power in a typical home, will automatically shut down or hibernate when they are not being used.
But, until then, consider these energy-saving steps:

Perform an energy audit. Using MyAccount function online, you can compare your energy use with similar homes, track your use over time, look at your billing history and discover specific ways to lower your electric bill.

Take advantage of incentives. Cash incentives ranging from $140 to $1,125 are available when you replace your old air conditioner with a more efficient system. Instant rebates are also being offered for energy-efficient residential pool pumps: $100 instant rebate for variable-speed pumps and $50 instant rebate for two-speed pumps.

Adjust your thermostat. By turning your thermostat back 10° to 15° for 8 hours, you can save about 5-15 percent a year on your heating bill. That's a savings of as much as 1 percent for each degree if the setback period is eight hours long. Here, a programmable thermostat can help you avoid waking up in a cooler than normal house in the winter.
Try some simple measures. These simple steps don't cost a thing, but can potentially save you 10-25 percent on your monthly energy bill. For example, use pool trippers to reduce the time your swimming pool pump runs - eight to 12 hours a day is plenty. Set your water heater to 120 degrees (any more is overkill). Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you're reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light.

Save Energy, Save Money

In the end, smart grid innovations will give you the tools and technology to make more informed choices about your energy use. And that's a good thing!

To Save Even More Money Try Reducing  Your Homeowners / Auto / Business Insurance Policies With Jason Shroot At Diversifed Insurance Quotes.  Please Call 714-988-3325 For More Information.  Or EMail at  jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com.  Or Visit www.JasonSellsInsurance.com

Personal Articles Floater Insurance 101

Personal Articles Floater Insurance 101

Personal Articles Floater supplements coverage for possessions of higher monetary value, such as a diamond engagement ring, your grandfather's pocket watch, artwork, or a valuable collection. While most homeowners policies have limits on the dollar amount and type of loss that can be recovered, Personal Articles Floater will provide the protection you need for your most valuable possessions in the event of loss through theft, accident or natural disaster.

When would a Personal Articles Floater be needed?


The protection provided for personal property under the typical homeowners policy is very broad, and includes coverage for your furniture, clothing, and appliances. In addition, it provides limited coverage for such items as jewelry, silverware, furs, and firearms. However, it may not cover some types of loss that may be important to you, such as the stone falling out of your diamond ring, your antique statue that is accidentally broken, or a flooded basement that damages your personal computer.

In fact, most homeowners policies set dollar limits on the amount of protection offered to cover the theft of items such as jewelry or furs (usually only up to $1,000), firearms (up to $2,000), or silverware (up to $2,500). Optional add-on coverage to the homeowners policy (like our Ultra Additional Protection endorsement) is available to enhance coverage by providing higher limits and expanded protection for special property. This usually provides most homeowners with enough coverage.

However, if you own extremely valuable items, this still may not be enough coverage. For example, if you own a diamond ring valued over $5,000 or a collection of fine arts valued over $50,000, you need more protection and should consider buying a Personal Articles Floater.

What kind of property can be covered?


Many different types of possessions can be accommodated by the Personal Articles Floater.

Here's a quick listing of some of the items typically covered:
•cameras (video or still) and related equipment
•china and crystal
•coins (rare and current)
•firearms
•furs
•golfer's equipment
•jewelry
•musical instruments
•personal computers
•stamps (rare and current)
•silverware
•works of fine art, including paintings, etchings, pictures and other bona fide works of art (such as oriental rugs, statuary, rare books, manuscripts and bric-a-brac) of rarity, historical value or artistic merit.


Where are my items covered?


A PAF will cover most items worldwide. There is nowhere on the planet you don’t have coverage. A typical homeowner’s insurance policy may only extend coverage to the U.S. and Canada.ts are the only outlier in the “where” portion of a PAF policy. These items are subject to coverage in the U.S. and Canada, similar to every item in the homeowner’s policy.

If you have high value, or specialty items, whether a homeowner or renter, you may require a PAF to ensure you have the necessary coverage to replace or repair them in the unfortunate event a loss occurs.

Contact your local independent agent, Jason Shroot, if you are not sure what your homeowner’s or renter’s policy covers. As with all types of insurance, it’s generally better to pay a small amount upfront than be sorry later.

714-988-3325

Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

http://www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com/

Let's All Learn from Lindsay Lohan's Mistakes...

In all the commotion of Lindsay Lohan's fall from grace, little attention has been paid to the impact her risky behavior will have on her insurance — auto, home, life, and health. But consumers can learn from her mistakes, according to the Insurance Information Network of California.

Using Lohan's profile, ZIP code, vehicle model and current record of two DUIs and an at-fault car accident, IINC determined the average insurance premium difference she could pay for automobile insurance because of her risky behavior.


A single, 24-year-old female who lives in Beverly Hills ZIP code of 90210 (she lives in a condo in West Hollywood) and drives a 2009 Mercedes SL550 convertible would have access to 100 percent of the insurers offering auto coverage in California, IINC said. With a clean driving record, Lohan would pay approximately $2,075 every six months for a full coverage policy. But because of the at-fault accident and two DUIs on her driving record, the six-month premium jumps to $7,408.90. Worse yet, she would only have access to less than 10 percent of the companies in California offering auto coverage because most of the major insurers in the state would not want to insure her. Instead, she would probably have to purchase coverage for bad drivers through the Department of Insurance, IINC said.

 Furthermore, her risky behavior also could affect the premium she would pay for life insurance, as some life insurers will pull a DMV record when determining a customer's premium, the association indicated.


"Before we initially did the analysis, we thought her insurance would double," said Pete Moraga, communications specialist for IINC. But, the increase in her premium because of her driving record is 350 percent more because she made some bad choices, compared to if she had a clean driving record.


"The big picture is that all of us can learn from her mistakes," Moraga said. "People don't always understand that what they pay for insurance is based on their own risk profile … and risky decisions we make in our daily lives will impact that cost."

 A DUI stays on a person's driving record for 10 years, for instance.


Lohan might be able to afford paying nearly $15,000 for auto insurance, but for the general public, it's important to know that the decisions we make and risks we take will affect your pocketbooks, Moraga said. "If we take risks and make bad decisions, our insurance will be much more expensive."


For Auto Insurance Quotes & Questions Please Contact Jason @ 714-988-3325

An Inusrance Learning Activity - Fact or Fiction !

Fact or Fiction? An Insurance Game!

I thought today that we could have some fun playing a little game of “fact or fiction” in testing your insurance knowledge. Fun  is a term that I would use somewhat loosely as fun and insurance are not often found in the same sentence. 

So, with that in mind, let’s try to make it a “fun” exercise. 

The answers are located at the end of this entry.

1. “Home insurance policies cover you against flood.” Fact or fiction?
2. “All insurance companies are the same so the only thing that matters is the price?” I thought I’d throw you a softball for the first one. So…fact or fiction? 
3. “Home insurance policies cover earthquake.” I threw that one in there for the three readers I have on the west coast. Fact or fiction?
4. “An insurance policy is like a bank account. Everyone that pays in should get something back out” Fact or fiction?
5. “Dog bites are one of the largest causes of home insurance liability claims.” Fact or fiction?
6. “A tree falls on your house, but nobody is around to hear it” “It’s covered, right?” Fact or fiction?
7. “I was playing with a friend shooting off fireworks in the house and I accidentally burned down the house. It’s covered, right?” Fact or fiction?
8. “I was sending a text message about Brad and Angelina’s new baby when I drove into the back end of a pick up truck. I’m sure it’s covered.” Fact or fiction?
9. “I just changed to a new insurance company. I should be fine because I made sure my coverage was exactly the same.” Fact or fiction?
10. "All independent insurance agents are the same and I can always trust that an agent who works for a big brand name insurance company knows their stuff." Fact or fiction?

Alright, no peaking! If you are finished, here are your answers:

1. Fiction! No two insurance companies are alike and often times, as my grandmother used to say, “You get what you pay for.”

2. Fiction! Even though a policy may be written on a particular company’s paper, the government sells flood insurance. It’s a coverage that is often overlooked, especially if you are not in a flood zone.

3. Fiction. Generally speaking, earthquake is not covered, but many companies will sell it as an “add on” to your homeowner’s policy.

4. Fiction! Insurance is a six month or one year contract. If you don’t need the coverage during that time, the contract expires and a new one is required.

5. Fact! Dog bites are a big liability risk, that’s why many companies are picky about the breed of your dog.

6. Fact! It’s covered.

7. Fact! Unfortunately, there isn’t a “stupidity” clause in the contract.

8. Fact! See number seven.

9. Fiction! See number one.

10. Fiction! Se number one.  No 2 insurance agents are the same - and sometimes even these big brand name insurance companies don't properly train the agents that represent their company.

So, how did you do? If you answered all 10 correctly, you may need to get out more often. If you got 6 to 9 correct, you are doing pretty well with your insurance knowledge!  If you got 1 to 5 correct, it may be time to call Jason Shroot, your insurance agent at Diversified. 

Have a safe day!  Please Call for Questions & Quotes @ 714-988-3325

http://www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com/  or  Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com