Lyons Insurance Live

Lots of Accidents this AM on I-95

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-04:00

Quick Checklist: What to do after an accident:

1. Secure the scene (stay calm)
2. Seek medical care for you and others
3. Call police
4. Assess the damage (photos), accident diagram, statements from witnesses
5. Gather drivers information (name, DL#, Address, Insurance info)
6. Notify your insurance agent.

The most important thing after ensuring people are safe and not injured, is to document what happened accurately and completely. This can save you money in the long run.

Are you covered? Really?

2010-08-20T16:51:00.000-04:00

They all say, "Oh, I have insurance."

I always respond - "I sure hope so."

The sad thing is I know that as quickly as they brush of my inquiry is probably how quickly they decided to purchase a policy.

What does that stack of 50 papers actually do for you? It is hard enough to manage a business in this economy. Why allow your coverage to be anything but 100% what you need.

The time of loss is not the moment you want to find out your coverage doesn't do what you think it does...

Read this article on a concerning trend in business.

http://www.agentandbroker.com/Exclusives/2010/7/Pages/Small-businesses-skimp-on-risk-management.aspx

Rain, Rain & Flood Insurance

2010-08-09T12:24:00.000-04:00

After all this rain I wanted to give a reminder on flood insurance -

In insurance speak a flood is:

A flood is “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 (at least one of which is your property) from:

Overflow of inland or tidal waters;
Unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
Mudflow*; or
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.”

*Mudflow is defined as “A river of liquid and flowing mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried by a current of water…”

http://disasterrecovery.sd.gov/pdf/flood_info/nfip_summary.pdf

Flood insurance costs roughly $400 or less for most properties. Check the link for program overview and call me for a quote.

Premiums rising? Call me to for a comprehensive review of the marketplace.

2010-06-21T22:02:00.000-04:00

A prominent insurance carrier advertises, "it doesn't matter who insures you... until it does." I propose it doesn't matter who your agent is, until you have a really good one show you how you have been abused, mistreated, even put in harms way.

Read this article on health insurance for first hand testimony of how insurance markets fluctuate yearly, even monthly. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37829862/ns/health-health_care/from/toolbar Premiums charged for exposures are a function of a carriers given spread of risk. When they are over exposed they raise rates to shed policy holders (excess risk), and collect more for what they perceive as too much exposure in one area (all their eggs in one basket).

I directly represent multiple carriers in all lines of coverage and can find a way to access virtually any carrier that does business in the USA. Why don't you focus on what you do best and let me shop your coverage. Once you are my client you will wonder how you ever allowed anyone else to service your business.

So a Tornado blew by tonight...

2010-06-06T21:22:00.000-04:00

No damage thank goodness. This is a good time to talk about valuation and deductibles. Is your policy replacement cost valued? Do you have Ordinance or Law coverage (cost to bring older construction to newer code)? Can you actually pay your deductible if something happens (this is likely a 5k, 10k, 25k number)?

Let me know if you have questions - windstorms are no joke.

For those of you with a car...

2010-06-05T08:52:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick tip to save some money on auto insurance.

Tread lightly however this is a cost benefit analysis excercise: does it cost more for this coverage than your car is worth or more than you are likely to collect in the event of a loss...

AND do you have some cash set aside in case...

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/DumpTheInsuranceOnYourClunker.aspx

HOA's and Condo's

2010-06-04T11:58:00.000-04:00

Directors and Officers coverage is probably the least paid attention to policy that HOA's and Condo's purchase - but probably the most important. Since the Board act in fiduciary capacity for the residents this coverage protects them if they are accused of mismanagement, violating fiduciary responsbilities, etc. Notice I say accused. Tort Liability is an interesting animal in that the burden of proof is on the accused to prove they didn't injure or harm someone, usually racking up sizable legal expense, and often times dealing with vauge and subjective judgements and large punitive settlements. Call me if you plan to serve on ANY board public or private.

New Commercial Client

2010-06-03T22:20:00.001-04:00

Just protected a contractor - he had no coverage for his completed work, his autos were on personal policies not a commercial one - even though they were used exclusively for business purposes. He had no coverage for his tools, or the property at his offices. He even was letting a PEO handle his comp and payroll because it was easy. We were able to place his comp with Summit and use Paychex for his payroll. We saved 8k on the comp, 3k on the payroll and provided him the protection he needs.

It may be covered - a good agent will double check

2010-06-03T22:13:00.001-04:00

Helped Curtis DeLaquil and Abby Forbush with their water damage claim that resulted in a new floor for their condo in Atlanta, they even have coverage for moving and the hotel while the work is done. He feared it wasn't covered but after a quick review of his policy we discovered that the damage was covered as the AC ...instantaneously brokedown and not a deferred maintenance problem.

Boom! I'm Live!

2010-05-13T21:15:00.002-04:00

Testing Testing.

Welcome

2010-05-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Yes I sell insurance, but in doing so I come across so many different business, experiences, situations, etc. so this is where I will share them with you.

If you have a special request please let me know. For now I was going to start with the things most everyone already buys - personal insurance, and think of more topics as we go along.

Add your friends, spread the word, share in some good news, and as always protect yourself.

Tim