Are Your Automobile Tires Old & Tired?

The Problem with Tired Tires

Addressing Loose Regulations & Auto Accident Liability...

Back in the day, tires typically would wear out before they got too old. Thinning treads is the consumer indicator that a tire needed to be replaced and, 30 to 40 years ago, that was probably around the 20,000 to 30,000-mile usage marker.

Nowadays, tires are more durable and can last upwards of 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The downside, as Jason Shroot has read is that consumers are unaware that steel-belted radial ply tires, despite their toughness, face aging challenges because they are made of rubber, a product that oxidizes and hardens over time.
Older tires are vulnerable to catastrophic failures since excessive brittleness from oxidation can trigger tread and belt separations. Should those tires be attached to vehicles that travel roads in hot, dry climates, then those tires will deteriorate even faster.
The challenge with aging tires is they can hide their decrepitude, unlike a mature actor relying on injectables and plastic surgery for youthfulness. Unused new tires may be stored for years before installation and look pristine, but climate, handling, and storage can exact a toll indiscernible to visual examination.

Jason Shroot recently found out that currently there is no U.S. industry standard for when tires should be removed from service. To compound matters, manufacturers do not plan to stamp expiration dates on their wares. European countries recommend 6 years of usage. In contrast, U.S. tire manufacturers either do not offer guidance as to tire shelf life or simply suggest removal or regular inspections of 6 to 10-year-old tires. As long as a tire does not show signs of checking or cracking (the only visual traces of tire aging) and was kept in climate-controlled storage, then it may be okay to use despite its age.
Enterprising policyholders can, however, decipher a date code marked on the tire’s sidewall to determine a tire’s age. That date code is contained within the tire’s serial number and is commonly imprinted on the inward-facing side of the tire, but chances are the figures noted will be somewhat cryptic. Unfortunately, as many retail tire shop employees do not know how to read date codes, consumer ignorance is not altogether unexpected as well.

For More Information on Risk Management Pratices For Your Home / Auto / Business Please Contact

Jason Shroot

714-988-3325

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.



Understanding Legal Liability for Condominium Association and Unit Owners

Understanding Legal Liability for Condominium Association and Unit Owners
Christopher J. Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM On August 09, 2011

http://www.mynewmarkets.com/articles/180950/understanding-legal-liability-for-condomin

Legal liability is liability imposed by the courts or by statute on any person or entity responsible for the

financial injury or damage suffered by another person, group, or entity. Legal obligations, or legal
liability, can arise from intentional acts, unintentional acts, or contracts.
When the potentially liable parties are mutual beneficiaries and users/occupiers of the same location,
the need for each party to be properly insured is of paramount importance. Residential condominium
associations and individual unit owners are prime examples of this need to close all gaps in liability
protection.

Essentially there are three legal liability possibilities following bodily injury or property damage at a
residential condominium property. Legal liability is placed on: 1) the condominium association; 2) the
unit owner; or 3) jointly on the association and the unit owner.

When legal liability is assigned to only one party, whether it be the association or the unit owner,
defining coverage is easy. The cost of the bodily injury or property damage is covered, subject to
policy limits, by the at-fault party's insurance policy:

The association's commercial general liability (CGL) coverage pays if the association is found
to be solely negligent; or

•The unit owner's HO-6 pays if legal liability is solely placed on the owner.

The unit owner's liability coverage (most commonly provided by the HO-6) is generally first dollar
protection. Likewise, the association's CGL may be written providing first dollar protection; however,
many associations utilize a deductible or self-insured retention (SIR). If the association's deductible is
high, or there are several liability claims against the association, the unit owner(s) may suffer an out-of
-pocket expense because of the association's decision to use a deductible or SIR.

Unit Owner Assessments

When the association is subject to a deductible or SIR, it generally collects the resulting out-of-pocket
expense by assessing all the unit owners a share of the deductible/SIR (however such division is
calculated). The unendorsed HO-6 provides the insured with $1,000 for such assessment with two
main requirements:

1. The loss must be one that would have been covered under the HO-6; and $1,000 is all the policy will pay for assessment in aggregate (regardless of the number of assessments for losses occurring during that policy period).

2. Obviously, the association's choice of a deductible/SIR can be detrimental to the unit owner. But, the
unit owner does have the opportunity to increase the coverage for assessment by purchase of the HO
04 35 (Supplemental Loss Assessment Coverage). However, the attachment of this endorsement may
not solve the unit owner's deductible/SIR assessment problem – depending on the endorsement's
edition date approved and used in the unit owner's state.
 
 Attaching Insurance Services Office's (ISO's) HO 04 35 allows the insured unit owner to incrementally

increase the loss assessment limit up to $50,000 (relatively inexpensively). But the limit of coverage
for an assessment related to the association's use of a deductible/SIR has been historically limited to
$1,000 – even when the HO 04 35 endorsement was attached. This limitation was removed in ISO's
05/11 edition of the endorsement. The HO 04 35 05 11 extends the full amount of loss assessment
coverage purchased to all assessments, including those resulting from the association's use of a
deductible/SIR.

However, the new endorsement may not yet be approved in the insured unit owner's state (and may
not be for some time), or the insurance carrier providing coverage may not be using the new wording
(depending on the rules of the state). Agents cannot make assumptions, the insured's policy must be
reviewed to confirm which loss assessment wording is in use or available. The difference between the
old and new endorsement language can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the properly
insured unit owner's bank account.

Joint Liability

If both the association and unit owner are held jointly liable for the injury or damage, court involvement
will likely be required. The first problem to be addressed is the amount of liability assignable to each
party. Once liability has been assigned, the second question to be considered is - what happens when
liability limits differ (which they most likely will)?

Both questions can and might be governed by the legal concept of joint-and-several liability, along
with how each state applies this concept. Losses are shared equally or unequally among tortfeasors
based on the facts of the case, each tortfeasor's level of "fault," and statute. The concept of joint-andseveral
liability is designed to assure that the victim is fully compensated for their injury or loss.
Joint means that any one tortfeasor can be held responsible for the entire amount (each tortfeasor is
responsible for all others). Several means that each is responsible only for its share of the fault. Each
state applies the joint-and-several liability differently:
Nine states apply pure joint-and-several laws: Each defendant is responsible for the entire
amount regardless of its amount of fault;

27 states utilize modified joint-and-several laws: One specific tortfeasor is potentially
responsible for the entire only if they are judged at-fault beyond a specific level or amount.
Additionally some of these states bar recovery if the injured party is found to be a certain
percentage liable; and 14 states employ pure several laws: Each party shares the financial consequences based on its amount of fault.

Generally, there is a wide gap between the association's CGL limits and the unit owner's HO-6 liability
limits; maybe as much as $900,000 ($1 million in the CGL vs. $100,000 in the HO-6). Because of this
gap, the association may be called upon to cover more than their share of damages in pure and
modified joint-and-several liability states. To avoid this potential gap, the association may decide to
require each unit owner to carry relatively high limits of liability coverage (maybe even an umbrella).
Many state laws related to condominium ownership prevent an association from subrogating against
the unit owner if the unit owner's negligence leads to a liability loss. Again, this could be very costly for
the association from an insurance perspective; and it's even more costly if the association does not
have enough protection to cover the cost of the injury or damage.

Deciding Which Party is Legally Liable

Disclaimer: This section shall not and cannot be construed as legal advice. Any ruling of negligence
and legal liability must be made in a court of competent jurisdiction. The following is simply a guideline
that may be useful in determining which party and therefore policy may be called upon to cover the
cost of injury or damage suffered by a third party.

Where did the Injury/Damage Occur?

Arriving at the more correct answer to the question: which party (the association or the unit owner)
may be ultimately responsible for paying the cost of injury or damage suffered by a third party?
Knowing where the injury occurred provides clues as to who is most likely going to be held financially

responsible.

Like analysis of the property coverage, analysis of the liability coverage requires knowledge of and a
deep understanding of three definitions: common elements, limited common elements, and unit
property. The definition of each indicates which party (the association or the unit owner) is responsible
for the care and upkeep of the property; and also who is responsible for any injury or damage suffered
on the property.

Common elements are owned by and benefit, to some extent, all members of the association.

Land (including trees, shrubs, plants, etc.), parking lots, association roads, and the building's
structural foundations and load-bearing walls are examples of common elements. Also included
in this definition are club houses, pool houses, pools, fences, gates, playground equipment,
tennis courts, and other property owned by and allocated to all unit owners.

Limited common elements are beneficial to more than one but fewer than all unit owners.
Common hallways or corridors providing access to several units, walls and columns containing
electrical wiring or sprinkler piping serving or protecting multiple units, or a plenum enclosure
providing heating and cooling to multiple units are examples. Doorsteps, stoops, decks,
porches, balconies, patios, exterior doors and windows, or other fixtures designed to serve a
single unit but located outside the unit's boundaries are often categorized as limited common
elements because the appearance and safety of these fixtures directly affects multiple unit
owners although connected to just one unit.

Unit property is defined by the association's declarations or statute and is limited to and
benefits only the unit owner. The inside of the exterior walls, interior partition walls, counter
tops, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and any other real property confined to the unit
are examples. The definition of unit property can vary widely with no universal designation.

Injury or Damage on or Caused by a 'Common Element'

Because a common element benefits all unit owners, the association is nearly always going to be
ultimately responsible for covering the cost of any bodily injury or property damage that occurs in or
on a common element. This is true even if a unit owner in some way contributed to the injury or
damage.

When written correctly, and depending on the state, condominium liability policies generally include
unit owners as insureds or name them as additional insureds using the CG 20 04 (Additional Insured
– Condominium Unit Owners). This endorsement grants all unit owners additional insured status for
liability arising out of any portion of the premises not reserved for the unit owner's exclusive use or
occupancy. This means that the unit owner is an insured for any injury or damage on or caused by a
common element. Further, as an insured, the insurance carrier cannot seek recovery from the unit
owner if he/she is somehow responsible for causing the injury or damage on the common element.

Injury or Damage on or Caused by a 'Limited Common Element'

Assigning financial responsibility for an injury or accident occurring on a limited common element is a
little more complicated. Largely, the rules that apply to common elements apply to limited common
elements (meaning the association will most commonly be held financially responsible); however,
there are gray areas.

Of particular interest and problem are those defined limited common elements that benefit only one
unit owner, such as stairs, stoops, balconies, decks, etc. Although these elements benefit one unit
owner, often the association is responsible for the care and maintenance of these features. Might
there be joint negligence or liability assignable to both parties?
Picture a unit owner and his guests sitting on the deck enjoying the evening. They decide to move the
party inside nearer the food. As one of the guests crosses the threshold from the deck into the unit he
trips on "something" and breaks his arm in the fall. Which party will be held responsible?
The injury occurred leaving a limited common element and moving into unit property. Based on
statute, the associations bylaws, and policy wording, who knows? Some situations may require court
involvement.

As stated previously, most situations involving limited common elements will follow the rules for

common elements. But some may end up in a court of competent jurisdiction to decide if one or both
parties will be held responsible for the injury or damage.

Injury or Damage on or Caused by Unit Property

Like assigning responsibility for injuries that occur on or caused by common elements, it is pretty
simple to assign financial responsibility for injury occurring within a unit or caused by unit property.
The unit owner will be held responsible and his HO-6 will be called upon to pay for any injury or
damage within the unit or caused by defined unit property.

Concluding Points

When working with a residential condominium association or the unit owner, each party's potential
legal liability must be considered, not just the property exposure. As detailed in this article, the agent
mustreview certain key points when considering liability protection, such as:
Where did the injury or damage occur?

Coverage limits:

Does the association require unit owners to carry relatively high limits of liability coverage?

How great is the difference between the association's and unit owner's liability limits?
Does the unit owner carry additional loss assessment coverage? What version of the
endorsement is being used?

How does the state in which the association is located apply the concept of joint and several
liability?

For  More Information on Your Condo Insurance
Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325
Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com
http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/


For The Complete Article By:
Christopher J. Boggs, CPCU, ARM, ALCM  On August 09, 2011 Please Visit: 

Jason Shroot 

714-988-3325

Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

For More Information on Your Insurance Please Contact:
http://www.mynewmarkets.com/articles/180950/understanding-legal-liability-for-condomin

Are You Moving Soon ►►► Know These 8 Questions

Are You Moving Soon?
Ask These Great 8 Insurance Questions Before You Move
Packing up everything you own and moving is stressful enough. Having your belongings lost or

damaged in a move, either by yourself or professional movers, is more stress that you don’t need.

About 37 million Americans moved in 2009. Loss or damage happens during one of every four

moves, according to Jim Sullivan, president of Humboldt Moving and Storage in Canton, Mass.

Whether moving across town or across the country, how do you determine whether you have enough

insurance to cover any losses? How do you get your belongings insured for a move?

Here are eight insurance questions to ask if you’re on the move.

1. Does my home insurance policy cover your belongings when they’re being moved or when
they’re put in storage?

Chances are, it won’t. Your policy likely won’t pay if your items are broken, scratched, dented or otherwise damaged by a mover. Likewise, your policy likely won’t cover you if you can’t pinpoint when and where a box of your Grandma’s china went missing.

2. What if my belongings freeze or overheat in the moving van?

Insurance issues can vary greatly if you’re moving on your own versus using a professional mover.
These are “two big exclusions" in many homeowner’s policies . In these instances, you’re probably not covered by your home insurance policy.

3. What if some sort of accident destroys the moving van — and your belongings?

Your home insurance policy probably will cover the loss if the moving van catches on fire, explodes, is vandalized or is involved in a crash.

4. What does my home insurance cover if I store my belongings before moving into a new house?

If you store your belongings in a public storage facility, you’re probably 100 percent covered. However, if you store your belongings in a friend’s basement, you’re probably covered for just 10 percent of their value.

5. What if I’m doing the move on my own?

In this case, you make the move at your own risk. If something is damaged due to your own negligence, you might be covered, but the (home) insurance company can review the claim carefully to make sure the damage was not intentional.


If you’re renting a vehicle from a place like U-Haul, remember this: Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage of rental vehicles with a gross weight of 9,000 pounds or more, according to U-Haul.

6. Should I accept the coverage offered by a professional mover?

Experts say it may be a good investment. If you’re using a professional moving company, there are two types of coverage available: Full value protection, also known as full replacement value, and released value, or basic carrier liability.

Full value protection is recommended by movers because it usually provides cash to repair or replace an item at its current value. Released value coverage is free to customers, but covers only pennies on the dollar for the value of an item. The valuation is done by weight. For a typical three-bedroom house with 20,000 pounds of items to be moved, full valuation for $120,000 in coverage will cost $700 for an interstate move.

Basic carrier liability is free for customers and pays up to 60 cents per pound, so a 10-pound stereo component valued at $1,000 that is broken in a move will be worth only $6 in
reimbursement. “You can see that it makes sense for people moving to take out the coverage.
Accidents do happen. 

The Insurance Information Institute, points out that this coverage isn’t actually insurance.  The two options from movers aren’t  policies governed by state insurance laws. Rather, they’re liability contracts governed by federal law.

7. How do I get reimbursed if I’ve taken out liability coverage from a professional mover?

To collect on coverage, the items must be on an inventory list created at the start of the move. Belongings of extraordinary value, such as jewelry, may be subject to limited liability if you didn’t list them as high-value items. 


8. What’s the real value of purchasing coverage from a professional mover?

Buying the mover’s coverage can prevent headaches with your home insurance company. More importantly, buying the mover’s insurance can leave your homeowner’s insurance record unblemished. A move-related claim on your home insurance policy could result in a premium increase.

For More Information on Moving or Storage Insurance

Please Contact Your Local Insurance Agent:

Jason Shroot

Diversified Insurance Solutions

714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

Do You Know Your Evacuation Plan?

Ten Minutes...Until Evacuation


Community and neighborhood evacuations are more common than you might think. A wildfire, hurricane, tornado, mudslide, toxic industrial accident or other imminent disaster could force you to leave your home—in some cases, within minutes of the evacuation order.

Knowing what to do and what to take with you should the order come can help you preserve your most important possessions.
Plan It Out.

1. Discuss an evacuation plan with members of your household well in advance of an emergency. Ask everyone to make a list of items they consider essential to bring and then prioritize.
2. Prepare a box with essential documents such as birth certificates, insurance records, passports, tax returns, wills and cherished photographs. Be sure to place this box in a secure location, such as a fireproof safe.
3. Create or update a home inventory list to accurately record your possessions and add the list to your essential document box.

•Plan your escape routes. Choose more than one route, going in different directions, as some streets may be blocked off.
•Choose a meet-up place for family members should an evacuation order come when you’re not together.
•If you have some advance warning, fill your car’s gas tank and keep it topped off. Keep some cash on hand too—ATMs may not be operable in a disaster.

Pack It Up.

For efficiency and speed, divide packing duties among household members. The Insurance Information Institute and the Department of Homeland Security offer suggestions for items to bring if you have only minutes to pack:

•Your prepared document box
•Prescriptions, first aid supplies, basic toiletries
•Computers or laptops
•Clothing for three days
•Comfort items, such as a child’s blanket or stuffed animal
•Pet supplies, including food, medicine, toys, vaccination records and a leash or carrier
•Bottled water
•Flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries
•Cash

To learn how to be prepared in the event of a natural disaster please visit the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for a detailed preparedness plan.


Your Local Insurance Agent - Jason Shroot Can Be Found By Calling 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

Avoid Night Driving Dangers

Avoid Night Driving Dangers

Traffic death rates are three times higher at night than during the day, according to the National Safety Council. Driving reactions rely heavily on vision, and darkness severely limits depth perception, color recognition and peripheral vision. The keys to reducing your risk of an accident are maximizing your vision and your vehicle's visibility.

Improve Night Vision

Install high-quality headlights and wiper blades to improve visibility, and replace the headlight bulbs on a regular basis. "You'll notice a huge difference," says automotive expert Lauren Fix, known as "The Car Coach" on TV and the Web. "Remember, 90 percent of your driving decisions are based on visibility." A can of glass cleaner and paper towels will help keep your turn signals, windshield, mirrors and brake lights clear—making it easier for you to see, and easier for other drivers to see you. Older drivers and those with vision problems may find it especially challenging to drive at night. They should see a medical professional who can determine whether they are able to drive safely and suggest eyewear that may help.

Align Headlights and Mirrors

Headlights out of alignment can be a danger to you as well as to other drivers. Your visibility might be compromised, and the errant beam of your misaligned headlight could be hitting other drivers directly in their eyes. "If you think your headlights are aimed incorrectly, find an automotive technician to adjust them properly," Fix says. If a vehicle behind you has misaligned headlights upsetting your vision, adjust your rear-view mirror. "Flip that switch on your rearview mirror—called a dimming mirror—and try not to look at those lights because they can be very distracting," Fix says.

Adjust Speed and Following Distance

Because darkness reduces your ability to judge what other drivers are doing, you'll want to reduce your speed and increase the distance at which you follow other cars. "Just don't go so slow that you become a hazard," Fix says. A good rule of thumb for determining your speed while driving at night is to rely on the illumination distance or reach of your headlights. "Don't overdrive your headlights," Fix says. "You should be able to stop within the illuminated area."

For More Safety Tips Please Visit www.diversifiedinsurancequotes

To Ensure Proper Insurance Coverages With The Lowest Costs Please Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325

Is Buying A Condo For My College Student A Smart Move?

Ask the Experts: Is Buying A Condo For My College Student A Smart Move?

When parents estimate the amount of money they'll be spending on dorm rooms and off-campus apartments for the next several years, it's easy to see why many parents like the idea of buying a condo for their college student. But, assuming your child is responsible enough to take care of such a property, whether it makes financial sense to do so depends on several factors.

Recouping Costs: The costs of owning the condo, minus any rent paid by roommates, should be less than what you would pay for a dorm or apartment over the same time period. Costs may include a mortgage (including points and fees), property taxes, homeowners insurance, condo dues, and maintenance costs. And if your child plans on having roommates, you may want to add an umbrella liability policy to your homeowners insurance to protect you now that you're a landlord.

Will you come out ahead in the end? The rate of housing appreciation varies by geographic area, so research the location you're targeting. And don't forget to factor in a broker's commission when you sell the property.

 The Right Mortgage Loan: For long-term real estate ownership, it often makes sense to choose the certainty of a fixed-rate mortgage. But for short-term real estate ownership, a three- or five-year adjustable-rate mortgage may make more financial sense because the lower initial interest rate translates into a lower monthly payment. But be aware that if housing prices drop before you can sell the property, you may end up owing more than the house is worth--a situation you want to avoid.
Tax Benefits: You may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes on a second property; however, the IRS limits the amount of itemized deductions high-income taxpayers can take. In addition, if rent is collected, rental property rules will apply: rent you receive will be considered income, and you'll be entitled to claim some expenses as business deductions. But second homes and rental property aren't eligible for the $250,000 per person exclusion that you get when you sell your primary residence. To learn more, consult a tax professional.

For Condo / HO6 Insurance Quotes Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325

The Dangers of Radon In Your Home

Get A Read On Radon


Radon escapes naturally from soil as a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can seep through the foundation of your home and reach toxic levels.

How toxic? Radon contributes to 21,000 lung-cancer deaths annually, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By comparison, carbon monoxide kills an average of 439 persons each year. The EPA sets the maximum acceptable radon exposure at 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). However, because there's no "safe" level, the EPA recommends you take action when the level in your home reaches 2 pCi/L. Outdoor radon levels average about .4 pCi/L.You Can Test For Radon In Two Ways:

•DIY Tests. Buy radon test kits at home centers or through National Radon Program Services. Testing takes two days to a year in a closed-up house before you return the test to a laboratory for the results. Radon levels vary daily, so longer tests mean greater accuracy. Retest after making repairs.

•Professional Tests. A trained radon professional's electric monitor shows how radon levels fluctuate during the test period. Home buyers may trust professional tests more because they are performed independently of home sellers.
Fix The Problem...ASAP

In general, treat radon reduction like any home improvement and obtain multiple bids before hiring a licensed contractor. Fixing most radon problems costs on average between $800 to $2,000 (depending largely on the size of your home).  The National Environmental Health Association offers a list of questions to ask your radon contractor. The EPA has also links to California's radon control agency.

Get More Home Safety Tips At Diversified Insurance

Get Free Insurance Quotes At 714-988-3325

Have A Safe Day

Want to Protect Your Home?

 Get A Flood Insurance Policy...

Many people are looking for flood insurance policies for their homes, as the possibility of floods has been increasing at a rapid rate all around the world with each passing day.  Each year, thousands of Americans are placed in a troubling situation. That situation arises when their home floods. Flooding can occur due to hurricanes, thunderstorms with excess rain, or the break of a levee system. Whatever the cause for flooding, there are many families who are left to pay for all of the repairs to their home on their own.


In 1968, the National Flood Insurance Program was developed. This program was established to help make flood insurance affordable to all Americans, no matter where they lived. In addition to providing quality flood insurance, the National Flood Insurance Program also mandates the coverage that is being sold by agents and the amount of money that it is being sold for.
 
This is because many Americans that should have flood insurance do not. There are number of reasons why a homeowner decides not to purchase flood insurance coverage. One of the most common reasons for doing so is because of the cost. Many individuals mistakenly believe that flood insurance coverage is not worth the price. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who wish that they had purchased the coverage when their home flooded. The cost of flood insurance is nothing compared to the cost of rebuilding a home.


Another common reason why flood insurance coverage is not purchased is because some homeowners are not even aware that they need it. There are a large number of individuals who believe that flood damage to their home will be covered under their homeowner�s insurance policy.

This is a mistake that costs hundreds or even thousands of people thousands of dollars each year. It is important to note that floods can occur at just about any place and at any time. Many individuals refuse to purchase flood insurance coverage because they feel that it is a waste of their money.

Just because a home has not flooded in recent years does not mean that it cannot in the future. A home does not have to be located near a river, stream, lake, or pond to flood. Too much rain from an average thunderstorm can cause localized flooding.

To make flood insurance coverage worth the price, you should go about finding cheap flood insurance coverage. A large number of individuals purchase flood insurance from their agent that supplies them with auto insurance or their homeowner�s insurance. This may work out good for some individuals, but you should know that there is a cheaper way to obtain flood insurance.

For Quality, Low-Cost Flood Insurance Coverage You Should Speak To Jason Shroot, Your Local Insurance Agent At Diversifed Insurance Solutions in Newport Beach, California.  Please Call Us At 714-988-3325 For More Information And A FREE No-Obligation Quote.   

15 Holiday Safety Tips

The holiday season is right around the corner, and many families are preparing to celebrate their individual traditions with Christmas trees, candles and holiday lights. Jason Shroot is offering tips to help ensure that the warm glow of holiday decorations doesn't erupt into a destructive and potentially deadly holiday fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the top five days for residential candle fires are Christmas, Christmas Eve, New Year's Day, Halloween and December 23rd. In addition, Christmas tree fires cause $13.8 million in direct property damage each year, and holiday light-related fires are responsible for another $7.9 million annually.

"For many of us, the holidays wouldn't be the same without a Christmas tree or glowing candles," says Rick Isaacson, executive vice president of SERVPRO Industries, Inc. "But it's important to follow some common sense guidelines to help prevent your celebration from turning into a tragedy."

Jason Shroot with Diversified Insurance offers these tips from the United States Fire Administration to help keep the holidays bright and safe:

Candle Safety Tips:

1. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles instead of wax candles.
2. If you do use traditional candles, place them in sturdy metal, glass or ceramic holders where they cannot be easily knocked down.
3. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.
4. Never allow children to play with matches, lighters or candles.
5. Don't put candles on your Christmas tree or approach the tree with a burning candle.

Holiday Lights Safety Tips:

1. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires and other problems. Discard and replace damaged strings of lights.
2. Don't overload electrical sockets. Never link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe to do so.
3. Check the wires on your lights periodically. If the wire feels warm, remove and discard the string of lights.
4. Turn off your holiday lights when you leave the house or go to bed.

Christmas Tree Safety Tips:

1. Cut natural trees at a 45-degree angle to allow for maximum water absorption.
2. Select a natural tree that is fresh. If the tree "rains" needles when you bounce the trunk on the ground, select another tree.
3. Position the tree well away from sources of heat, including heat vents and fireplaces.
4. Keep natural tree stands filled with water at all times.
5. Don't leave a natural tree up for more than two weeks and discard the tree immediately if it becomes dry.
6. Use only non-flammable decorations on the tree, and select artificial trees that are labeled "fire-retardant."

For More Information & The Best Insurance Quote
Please Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325
jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com
http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.com/

Special Event & Wedding Insurance - Protect Yourself With Insurance

Wedding and Wedding Reception Insurance Program
A Liability Insurance Program Providing Protection from Lawsuits of Bodily Injury and/or Property Damage

Need A Quote Right Now?  Call Jason Shroot @ 714-988-3325

You've fallen in love, and now you want to celebrate that love with your friends and family. You want to be unique and commemorate your wedding with an incredible party for your friends and family, who love and support you and your partner. What happens when someone gets hurt, and your wedding celebration turns into a financial and emotional strain on your guests?  It may seem unnecessary now, but insuring your wedding can help guarantee that your special day will leave you with pleasant, loving memories of your wedding.

Your wedding can be the happiest day of your life. Months of planning mean that you should enjoy the wedding of your dreams. You may have made all the arrangements for your forthcoming wedding, or you could still be in the planning stages for the big day. Whatever your circumstances, Jason Shroot can help you protect your family and friends during your celebration. Hopefully your wedding day will take place with no setbacks, but unfortunately, accidents do happen.

Whether you are looking for one-day liability coverage or a three-day package, Diversified Insurance offers quality insurance with the lowest possible premium cost to you. Our firm understands the financial demands that a wedding places on a bride and groom, and their families. We want to make sure the financial stresses are over with the wedding. Protect your loved ones from the emotional and financial burden that one can incur as the result of a loss or injury. Diversified Insurance offers specialized insurance for your wedding, from the number of guests you plan to have at your wedding, to the day-after brunch, our unique program is affordable and unmatched in the insurance industry.

Who Is Covered
This program provides protection for the Policyholder against claims of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal and advertising injury liability and the litigation costs to defend against such claims. Coverage is provided up to $1,000,000.00 per occurrence. There is no deductible amount. 

Coverage Includes Suits Arising Out Of:

• Injury or death of spectators
• Injury or death of volunteers
• Property damage liability
• Incidental medical malpractice
• All activities necessary to conduct of practices and games
• Ownership use or maintenance of fields or practice areas
• General negligence claims
• Cost of investigation and defense of claims, even if groundless
• Corporal punishment 

For More Information Please Call 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

Renters Insurance - Is It Worth Having?

Renters Insurance  -  Is It Worth Having ?

If you live in a condominium or rent an apartment, your landlord's or condo association's insurance should cover damages to the building -- meaning the structure itself. But such a policy only covers their building and not your belongings. That's why you should have renter's insurance. Regardless of whether you live in a house, condo or apartment, replacing your stuff or defending yourself against a liability lawsuit can take a big toll on your bank account.

Basic home insurance policies are generally known by their number. Both the HO-4 (for renters) and HO-6 (for condo owners) policies cover losses to your personal property (or what is known as "Perils"):

1. Fire or lightning
2. Windstorm or hail
3. Explosion
4. Riot or civil commotion
5. Aircraft
6. Vehicles
7. Smoke
8. Vandalism or malicious mischief
9. Theft
10. Damage by glass or safety-glazing material that is part of a building
11. Volcanic eruption
12. Falling objects
13. Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
14. Water-related damage from home utilities
15. Electrical surge damage

That just about covers it, doesn't it? You may notice, however, that floods and earthquakes aren't on the list. If you live in an area prone to those, you'll need to buy a separate policy or a rider on your renter's policy.

It is necessary to understand that renter's insurance policy may be written as "actual cash value" (ACV) or "replacement cost coverage." As the name implies, ACV coverage will pay only for what your property was worth at the time it was damaged or stolen. So, if you bought a television five years ago for $300, it would be worth significantly less today. While you'd still need to shell out about $300 for a new one, your insurance company will pay only for what the old one was worth, minus your deductible.

Replacement cost coverage, on the other hand, will pay for what it actually costs to replace the items you lost. Usually, you'll have to pay out of your own pocket to replace your damaged items and submit the receipts to the claims adjuster for reimbursement. Even so, you'll still get a bigger chunk of change back than if you bought ACV coverage.

Make sure you also let your agent know about any particularly valuable items you have. Things like jewelry, antiques and electronics may be covered up to a certain amount, but if you have some items that are unusually expensive, like a diamond ring, you'll probably need to purchase a separate rider. If you don't talk to your agent about an expensive item when you buy the policy, you probably won't be able to recover the loss. 

Contact Jason @ 714-988-3325 To Ensure You Obtain The Proper Coverages With Low Cost Insurance.  Diversified Insurance Will Insure You, Your Family & Your Peace of Mind !

Average Car Insurance Rates - How A DUI Can Affect Your Car Insurance

How A DUI Can Affect Your Car Insurance...

Driving drunk is a very dangerous thing to do, and can result in a variety of different consequences. If you are convicted of a DUI you will have to deal with points on your license, drivers license suspension, high fines, attorney/court costs, and more. While these items just mentioned tend to be short-term consequences, you may not have considered the long-term consequences that can arise if you’re convicted of a DUI. If you’re convicted of a DUI your car insurance rates and even your ability to have insurance coverage will be affected.

Higher Rates
More than likely your insurance company will be notified if you’re convicted of a DUI. If the company does not suspend your insurance coverage, more often than not, you can wave goodbye to low rate car insurance for a long period of time. If you don’t like the higher rates your current company wants to charge you, you can try changing insurance companies, but even changing typically won’t save you money because you’ll be labeled as a high risk driver, which will result in you paying higher car insurance rates wherever you may go. More than likely your insurance company will have to send an SR-22 Proof of Insurance Certificate to the state showing that they are covering you, in order for your drivers license to have your license suspension removed.

Cancellation
In some cases, if you have been convicted of a DUI, some car insurance companies will actually cancel your insurance policy. Not all companies can issue an SR-22, so this can result in your car insurance policy either being canceled or the company not renewing your policy at your current renewal date. Although some states may not allow your insurance company to cut off your coverage in the middle of your plan, they can stop covering you when your renewal dates come around. If you have questions about cancellation policies, you may want to review the laws in your state or sit down with your agent.

Available Insurance
If you end up having your current insurance policy canceled or not renewed, there are a variety of companies that will be able to offer you car insurance coverage. While you’ll be able to find coverage, your new car insurance rates will still reflect the fact that you have a DUI on your record. In some states the DUI is only on your record for five years; however, other states may keep it on your record for life.

Being convicted of a DUI can have a variety of different consequences, both short-term and long-term, and there is a good chance that it could affect your car insurance rates for the rest of your life. If you are interested in keeping your car insurance rates low, plain and simple, don’t ever drive drunk. Driving while intoxicated is just a very bad decision. It not only comes with financial consequences, it puts you and others at great risk safety-wise as well. Before you decide to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, make sure you take a moment to think about the consequences that can last a lifetime.

To learn more about how you can save money and greatly reduce your car insurance rates, please visit www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com or Call 714-988-3325.

Insurance To Value: As Housing Prices Plummet, The Cost To Rebuild A Home Is On The Rise.

Insurance To Value: As Housing Prices Plummet, The Cost To Rebuild A Home Is On The Rise.


As homeowners across the country watch the values of their homes plummet, they may start to think that their insurance premiums should follow suit. Many people think it's simple logic:

Reduced market value equals reduced insurance premiums.

But many don't know the difference between market value and replacement value or understand that they don't often follow the same trend. In fact, even as home values continue their steep decline, the cost to rebuild a home continues to rise.

It's now more important than ever to remind homeowners that their insurance premiums are not based on the current resale value of their homes, but on the cost to replace them.
Residential construction is a world-wide industry impacted not only by the cost of materials, but also the cost of new technology, new building codes and regulations, labor and materials. Home construction costs rose sharply after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as the demand for building materials, labor and energy outpaced the supply.

Prices continue to rise, according to recent statistics. Reed Construction Data estimates an increase of 4.2% on construction costs from 2007 to 2009, up from the 2.8% estimate from 2005 to 2007 for the same period. Marshall & Swift/Boeckh estimates a 1% to 2% increase on overall construction over the same time period, with higher increases in many metropolitan areas.

Several variables can contribute to the rise and fall of home prices, including: implications of the subprime lending crisis; foreclosure rates; new housing starts; housing shortages; and location. On the other hand, replacement cost variables can include material costs; fuel and energy costs; the cost and availability of skilled labor; and changing construction codes and standards.
When comparing the two, it's important to note that market value variables are mostly forward-looking perspectives with the impact yet to be fully incurred or determined. In contrast, the replacement cost variables exemplify costs that are impacting the housing market almost immediately.

Key factors that have contributed to rising construction costs during 2009 include:


* Fluctuating energy costs over the past year;
* Rise in the cost of skilled labor;
* Increased overseas demand for raw materials and building products;
* Varying profit margins from general contractors and their subcontractors; and
* Rise in framing lumber prices and wallboard.

Calculating replacement cost is not based solely on builders' costs, but also on many hidden costs that impact the industry.

Other factors: In a global market, the U.S. dollar is weak. Also, it's harder for construction companies to get loans. Many builders am going out of business, so there is less competition and a lesser need to compete on prices. Recent natural disasters, such as hurricanes along coastal regions, floods in the Midwest and wildfires out West, have contributed to shortages in materials and made it more risky to underwrite homes. The trend to build homes with environmentally-friendly materials, low-impact processes and ultra-efficient heating and cooling technology has added to the cost of building and repairing homes.

For Questions & Quotes Contact Jason @ 714-988-3325 or Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com. Also Please Follow Us At www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com, Facebook, & Twitter.

Time To Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

"War and Peace." "Crime and Punishment." "The Sound and the Fury." All great books you've probably never read. If you're like most homeowners, you can add another unread title to your must-read list: Your Homeowners Insurance Policy. "So many people never look at it because their mortgage company pays their premiums," says Madelyn Flannagan, vice president for education and research at the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America, or IIABA, in Alexandria, Va. An August 2009 IIABA survey found that at least 32 million U.S. households had ill-fitting insurance policies. Some were over-insured, others had major gaps in coverage. Fewer than 60 percent of respondents had performed "a comprehensive review" of their insurance coverage in the last two years, 16 percent had not done one since 2002, and 16 percent had never done one at all. (The remainder couldn't recall.) If you haven't peeked at your coverage since the Clinton era, you might suddenly find yourself reading a real-life thriller. For starters, there have been sweeping changes to the home, property and casualty industry over the last five years, stemming from the 1995 Hurricane Katrina. Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, says home casualty companies have also shifted more of the risk to consumers. Some companies now cap what they're willing to spend to rebuild your home but allow you to "buy up" additional coverage to protect against Katrina-esque skyrocketing rebuilding costs. Spiking liability claims for dog bites, mold and risky swimming pools and trampolines have caused further pullbacks in coverage for those hazards, as well. *** Renewal time is the best time to read your policy, review your homeowners coverage with your agent, and perhaps shop around for a better or cheaper policy. How can you tell if you've outgrown your homeowners policy -- or whether it ever fit to begin with? Here's what to look for before you renew your policy: Your homeowners policy, which is regulated by your state, features three main components: 1) Home (loss to structures), 2) Contents (loss to personal property), and 3) Liability Coverage. Home: Your policy usually covers structural loss caused by fire, theft, winds, accident, falling trees, water damage from broken pipes and even terrorism, based on the estimated value of your home. Typically not included (exclusions) under so-called "all risk" coverage are war, nuclear disasters, earthquakes and floods. Contents: The contents of your home are typically insured against loss, damage or theft for 50 percent to 70 percent of the estimated value of your home; that is, if you have a $200,000 home, your belongings, furniture and clothing would be insured for $100,000 to $140,000. Personal property not specifically excluded is often insured wherever it goes, even on vacation. There are often conditions and limits placed on loss of certain items such as jewelry, cash, furs, artwork, antiques and wine collections; to insure these for replacement value, additional coverage is usually available at a very affordable rate. But according to the survey, nearly half (47 percent) of respondents who owned valuable collections didn't own special insurance coverage for them. Liability: If your dog bites someone or someone slips and falls on your untended sidewalk and sues you, your liability coverage handles legal fees and judgments.

Here are some details to look for when examining your policy:

Replacement cost versus actual cash value: Most home policies today insure the contents of your house for actual cash value rather than replacement cost. What's the difference? Actual cash value means you'll only get what your 20-year-old sofa is worth today; with replacement-cost coverage, your policy will pay to replace it with a new one of like kind and quality. "All Risk" Versus "Named Peril" If your policy is written as "all risk," it means your home is insured for all causes of loss except those specifically listed as exclusions. If it's written as "named peril" however, you are only covered for causes of loss that are specifically listed in the policy. "You want 'all risk,'" says Pollan. "It's the broader of the two." Extended replacement coverage - Simply put, replacement coverage ain't what it used to be. Thanks in large part to Hurricane Andrew, if your house is a complete loss, most insurers will only compensate you for the home value on your policy and an additional percentage (usually 25 percent) for rebuilding overruns, not for the open-ended and often skyrocketing extra cost to rebuild in the high-demand environment of an Andrew or Katrina. Instead, you can "buy up" that extra coverage as an endorsement to your "replacement" coverage to fill in the gap in a worst-case scenario. Shop Around- Unhappy with rate hikes? Losing confidence that your insurer will be around when you need it? Shop around for a new policy. Although the insurance industry has not made it easy for consumers to compare apples to apples, many state governments have by providing easy-to-access buyer's guides where you can view your state's major insurance underwriters and compare features and prices.

For Questions & Quotes Contact Jason @ 714-988-3325 or Jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com. Also Please Follow Us At www.diversifiedinsurancequotes.com, Facebook, & Twitter.