4 Remodeling Projects That May Pay Off

If you’re planning to remodel a home office and hoping to recoup your investment when you sell your home, you could be disappointed. Jason Shroot recently read that according to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report 2011-2012 from Remodeling magazine you'll recover slightly less than 43 percent of your money for this project. But upgrade your exterior with fiber-cement siding and you might see a return of 78 percent in terms of increased home value.

For many homeowners, how an improvement affects a home's resale value is a critical factor in deciding whether the project goes forward. Here are four investments that paid off from this year's report:

Replacement Projects: On average, replacing things like flooring, countertops, fixtures and cabinets returns 64 percent of the project costs upon sale, compared to large scale remodeling jobs, which return 57 percent. Replacements typically cost less and are appealing to buyers because they are important indicators of home maintenance.

New Siding, Windows & Doors: These projects enhance curb appeal and have some of the biggest payoffs when you sell.

Remodeled Attic Space: Creating a bedroom in a previously unused area pays a 72.5 percent return on the investment, largely because the project adds living space without expanding a home's footprint.

Kitchen Facelifts: These minor remodeling projects often include new cabinet doors, hardware, countertops and appliances—and typically return more than 72 percent of the investment.

One add-on that doesn't pay off well is a sunroom addition. While a pleasant sunroom may be your family's favorite relaxation spot, this project typically returns less than 46 percent of your investment.

In addition to payback rates, the report cites other considerations for homeowners who are planning a home improvement. For example, recognize that adding a room may provide you with more space but may result in increased household heating and cooling bills. Enlarging a bathroom at the expense of a bedroom may make perfect sense for your family, but be seen as a lost room by a buyer. Elaborate remodeling projects that are out of sync with the value of the surrounding homes may also be a negative in the eyes of potential buyers.


Before Starting Your Next Renovation Project Please Contact Jason Shroot, Your Local Insurance Agent at 714-988-3325 or jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

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



Electrical Outlet Safety

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Reprinted from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Desperate Homeowners Turn To Arson - Insurance Fraud Alert

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


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


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

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

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

Against Insurance Fraud.

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

Association.


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

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

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

investigating suspected arson.

To See How Much Money You Could Save On Your

Home / Auto / Business Insurance.

Get Your Free Insurance Quotes Today By Calling Jason Shroot

at 714-988-3325

jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

www.jasonsellsinsurance.com

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

 

Top Ten Guidelines To Limit A Company's Risks in Social Media

Top Ten Guidelines To Limit A Company's Risks in Social Media



Social media has become a powerful way for business owners (and individuals) to communicate with clients, prospects, friends, family, referral sources, and colleagues.

However, improper usage can result in serious consequences. 

The following are a list of suggestions to limit your company's social media's risk exposure:

1. Know Your Audience – Write knowing that everyone, including the folks who sign your paycheck,

will be able to see what you post. Remember that your post will be globally accessible today and long

into the next Ice Age.

2. Be Respectful – Do not disparage competitors or criticize others. This obviously includes current

and former clients. After all, who among us is perfect?

3. Be Conversational – Write as you speak to real people in a professional situation. Avoid stuffy

corporate-speak and mannered language. In fact, avoid words like "mannered." That said, also avoid

slang that will unfairly diminish you and your superior intellect.

4. Add Value – Social media is no different than other types of communication. It should help others

build their business, improve their skills, solve problems or understand our firm better.

5. Spread the Good Word — When you have something good to say about our firm, say it on multiple

social media sites.

6. Honesty is the Best Policy – Never represent yourself or our firm in a false or misleading way. Be

transparent about your identity and relationship to our firm.

7. Stay In the Zone – Cover your areas of expertise, especially when referencing corporate products.

If you are not an expert, make this fact clear to your readers.

8. No Demagoguery – Limit personal opinions to your personal life. Even then, keep controversial

opinions off personal social media pages.

9. When In Doubt, Don't – If you have to think twice about a post, this is typically a good sign that it

should not be published.

10. Observe Copyright Laws – Give credit where credit is due.

11. Respect Confidentiality – Ask permission to repeat conversations and forward communications.

12. Avoid Hot Buttons – Do not participate in social media when the topic is a breaking event. Gilbert

13. Follow the firm's Code of Conduct.

14. Follow the firm's Privacy Policy.

15. Adhere to the firm's E-mail & Internet Usage Policies.

16. What Happens At Social Events Stay There — Photo sharing sites like Picasa and Flickr are

social media. Post photos taken at company gatherings with the greatest care and consideration.

17. Be Non-Confrontational – Avoid sarcasm and be mindful of tone. Do not escalate a potentially

volatile situation. Politely disengage from the conversation instead.
 
 

For More Information About The Potential Risks of Social Media Or For Your Free Commercial Insurance Quotes Please Contact Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or Please Visit Diversified Insurance Solutions at www.jasonsellsinsurance.com.  You May Also Email Jason Shroot at jason@diversifiedinsurancequotes.com

 

When It Rains It Floods....

When It Rains It Floods....


Floods happen in pratically all 50 states: on coasts, on mountains, along rivers, in the desert, in towns and cities of every size.  In recent years, roughly 25% of all flood insurance claims came from areas not considered high risk.
What is a flood? Flood, as used in a flood insurance policy, means:

1. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties (one of which is your property) from:

a.  Overflow of inland or tidal waters,
b.  Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source,
c.  Mudflow

2. Collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of
water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of  water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood as  defined above in 1.a.
Unlike a standard homeowner's policy, flood insurance covers losses to your property caused by flooding. Some of the things a standard flood policy will cover include-

• Structural damage to the building and its foundation
• The electrical and plumbing systems
• Furnace, water heater, and central air conditioner
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves, and built-in appliances
• Permanently installed carpeting over an unfinished floor
• Flood debris cleanup

You can also buy a flood insurance policy to cover the contents of your home, such as furniture, clothing, food freezers and the food in them, portable air conditioners, and certain valuable items, such as artwork and furs (up to $2,500).

Policies are available in three forms: Dwelling (for most homes), General Property (for apartment buildings and businesses) and Residential Condominium Building Association (condominiums).

Flood insurance can be purchased for any eligible property located in a community that participates in the NFIP. Flood insurance can be purchased at any time regardless of your flood risk, and coverage is available subject to exclusions and limitations in the policy.

• In most cases there is a 30-day waiting period after applying and paying the premium for a standard flood insurance policy before it becomes effective.

• If you already have flood insurance, policies under the National Flood Insurance Program cover flood damages to insured buildings and contents, whether caused by man-made events such as an intentional opening of spillways or breaching of levees, or whether simply caused by a natural flooding event.

For general flood insurance questions, a step-by-step guide to filing a flood claim, and more information about flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call 1-888-379-9531.


Please Also Call Jason Shroot at 714-988-3325 or http://www.jasonsellsinsurance.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