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Do you know the factors that influence drowning?
19
Jun
2013
2013
Summer is here and Monte Johnson Insurance wants to share our tips on pool safety
Kids love a good pool party. Heck, adults love a good pool party too! When the sun is out, the tops come off and into the pool we go! But it isn’t all fun and games. Each day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning. We at Monte Johnson Insurance want to help educate you on the factors that influence drowning, while providing you with our water safety tips.
Factors that Influence Drowning Risk
- Lack of swimming ability – participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1-4 years
- Lack of barriers - separate your pool with a four sided isolation fence to keep children from gaining unsupervised access to the pool area
- Lack of supervision - drowning can happen in any body of water (bathtubs included), make sure a qualified adult is present
- Alcohol use – 70% of deaths in adolescents and adults is associated with the combination of alcohol use and water recreation
- Supervise when in or around water – drowning can occur quickly, make sure a responsible adult is always present when children are in the pool and that they are not involved in any distracting activity
- Use the buddy system – swim with a buddy
- Can’t swim? Learn. – Check with any local fitness facility for info on formal swimming lessons
- Get CPR certified
- Don’t rely on air filled or foam toys – they aren’t safety devices, but a life jacket is
- Avoid alcohol – Swimming, boating or rafting, avoid alcohol; never supervise children while under the influence
Safety Tips
Own your own pool? Make sure your home owners insurance covers you with the appropriate liability coverage.
Contact your Monte Johnson Insurance agent today to make sure your policies are up to date.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html
Photo h/t: http://media-cache-ak1.pinimg.com/originals/68/a3/05/68a3052e51cc043db7a05f36c14418df.jpg
Insurance Mistakes Newlyweds Make
11
Jun
2013
2013
Well, the wait is finally over. The wedding bells have rung and you and your sweetheart are just settling down to start a new life together. You’ve done a lot of the leg work, legally changed your name maybe, transferred bills from one address to another, but have you thought about the changes you need to make to your current insurance policies? Below we’ve compiled a short list of mistakes many newlyweds make.
Newlywed Insurance Mistakes
Life insurance
Too much or too little
Back in your single days you likely had little need for life insurance, as a newlywed, that all changes. Once married, your debts and medical expenses are equally dependent on you and your partner. Do you have someone depending on your income? In the event of catastrophe, make sure the ones you love are going to be provided for. Consult one of our life insurance specialists to help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your needs.
Don’t depend solely on your work’s group life insurance policy
While the amount of insurance available to you can be adequate when you are single, it is often too little to cover your growing family’s needs. Also, it isn’t portable. Purchase your own life insurance policy to lock in your protection.
Update your beneficiaries
Make sure your spouse is listed as the primary beneficiary of your life insurance policy. Married once before? Update your policy to get your former spouse removed.
Discounts
Bundling! Consolidate auto insurance policies with your spouse. Many insurance companies offer multi-vehicle discounts, or multi-line discounts should you also procure your home owners or renters insurance through the same company.
Health insurance
Do you have health insurance of your own and are also insured under your spouse’s plan? Make sure you understand the “coordination of benefits” rule to decide which plan pays when you submit a claim.
Check out the Monte Johnson research center for more information on insurance for before and after the “big day”
Source – http://www.insure.com/articles/lifeinsurance/marriage-mistakes.html
Photo H/T – http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/9a/1e/ae/9a1eaec555d1795b0828bb7592dc0f51.jpg
Are you keepin’ it clean?
5
Jun
2013
2013
Monte Johnson Insurance Tips for safe food handling to keep you grilling this summer
Well it’s that time of year again; time to pull the cover off the ol’ barbeque and light up for a new season of grilling. But did you know that food-borne illnesses increase during the summer months? Bacteria grows the fastest at temperatures ranging from 90 to 110° F. With the combination of rising outdoor temperatures and a lack of safety control measures typically provided by a kitchen, your barbeque may be putting others at risk. Whether you’re a low and slow cooker, or the fast and furious griller, we’ve got the safe food handling tips to keep your outdoor cookout safe this summer season.
Safe food handling tips
Thaw safely – Completely thaw meat and poultry. Use the refrigerator or thaw sealed packages in cold water. If you plan on using the microwave, make sure you throw it on the grill as soon as it has defrosted.
Marinating – Marinate in the refrigerator and not on your counter. If you plan on using the marinade as a sauce for cooked food, separate a portion out BEFORE putting raw meat or poultry in it.
Transportation – Keep your food cold when transporting from one location to another (40° F or below) to minimize the growth of bacteria. You can use ice or ice packs in an insulated cooler. Remember to pack food straight from the fridge to the cooler.
Keep cold food cold – Keep your meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use. When using a cooler, keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid opening the lid too often. Remember to pack beverages separate from perishables.
Keepin’ it clean – You can prevent food-borne illness by making sure not to use the same platter and utensils for uncooked food and the finished product. Bacteria from raw meat can still contaminate properly cooked food. Bring along a clean cloth or moist towelettes for cleaning hands and surfaces.
Precooking and Cooking –
Precooking in the microwave is a great way to reduce grill time, just be sure that the food goes immediately to the preheated grill.
All food should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature:
Poultry – whole, breasts, ground – 165 °F
Ground meat – 160 °F
Fully cooked meats(hot dogs) - 165 °F
Beef, pork, lamb, and veal – 145°F with a 3 minute rest period
NEVER partially grill or cook meat to finish cooking later.
Keep hot food hot – Keep your meat hot until it is served (140°F or warmer). You may do this by setting it to the side of the grill rack, but not directly over the coals where they can overcook.
Serve it up – Use a clean platter when taking food off the grill. For hot days when the temps rise to 90 °F or greater, don’t let food sit out for more than an hour.
Source – Food Safety Inspection Service – Barbeque and Food Safety
Photo h/t – http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/0/7/9/4/ar130738870349708.jpg
Do you know how to protect yourself in the event of a tornado?
29
May
2013
2013
Reflecting on the tragedy in Moore, OK and briefing you on what to do before, during and after a tornado
Tornado Season and the Tragedy in Moore
Tornado season is now upon us and as the tragedy in Moore, Oklahoma has shown, the results can be devastating. Although it will take another two months for a complete economic assessment, the tornado in Moore is estimated to be among the top five costliest in US history. While entire neighborhoods have been obliterated, much of the cost for rebuilding will be offset by insurance and federal disaster assistance. Fortunately for the survivors, wind damage is commonly included in most homeowner’s policies.
Although there has been marked improvement in our weather forecasting and warning systems, tornado activity remains unpredictable. Because of this, we think it is important for all of our family, friends, and clients to understand their risk for a tornado and how to respond before, during and after a storm.
Before
- Familiarize yourself with the type of alarm/notification system used in your region should a tornado watch or warning be issued. Make sure everyone in your household is prepared to take responsibility for their own personal safety.
- Be alert to changing weather patterns. Pay attention to local weather reports as well as your own experiences and intuition.
- Lookout for nature’s clues: Dark, greenish skies, cloud walls and hail chunks the size of an orange
- The safest place to be during a storm is underground. Don’t have a basement? Steer clear of windows and find a room located somewhere in the middle of the house, bathrooms often work best.
- Find a sturdy piece of furniture and get underneath. Hold onto it and use your arms to protect the most vulnerable parts of your body, the head and neck.
- Mobile homes, even those with tie-downs aren’t safe. Get out and find shelter elsewhere.
- No safe place inside? Go outside and lie down flat on the ground, hands covering the head and neck.
- Don’t stay in your car, seek shelter or follow the guideline above.
- For those of you in high rise buildings, make your way to an interior room on the lowest floor.
- Check for injured or trapped persons and do not move them unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Get help.
During
- The safest place to be during a storm is underground. Don’t have a basement? Steer clear of windows and find a room located somewhere in the middle of the house, bathrooms often work best.
- Find a sturdy piece of furniture and get underneath. Hold onto it and use your arms to protect the most vulnerable parts of your body, the head and neck.
- Mobile homes, even those with tie-downs aren’t safe. Get out and find shelter elsewhere.
- No safe place inside? Go outside and lie down flat on the ground, hands covering the head and neck.
- Don’t stay in your car, seek shelter or follow the guideline above.
- For those of you in high rise buildings, make your way to an interior room on the lowest floor.
After
- Check for injured or trapped persons and do not move them unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Get help.
To our friends and fellow citizens in Oklahoma, we wish you a speedy recovery!
Impact
- Even though tornadoes may not prevalent on the West Coast it doesn’t hurt to be prepared for any severe weather. Also, catastrophic losses like this disaster, Hurricane Katrina or Sandy can have dramatic impact on your insurance. Companies that absorb these losses may provide your protection plan, even if you live in a different area. The losses incurred can affect their rates throughout the nation for years to come. The Nation is still recovering from Katrina and we won’t see what toll Sandy or this disaster in Oklahoma will have on the future rates of insurance. So next time you see a rate increase you may ask your agent why, and it could be just because of the disasters elsewhere and nothing to do with your personal history.
Sources – Before, during and after a tornado
Oklahoma twister among five costliest in history
Photo h/t – http://raccoonvalleyradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/tornado-and-lightning1.jpg
Caution: Claims Ahead – Monte Johnson Insurance’s Tips for Avoiding Slip and Fall Accidents
20
May
2013
2013
Weather here can be unpredictable. One day the sun is out and temperatures are hitting the 80 degree mark, the next it’s 55 and raining with a chance of snow showers overnight. Picture this: One of your customers comes tromping through the front door seeking solace from the rain. You usually do a great job maintaining all walkways, but today the tile floors are glistening from all the wet feet walking in and no one has had a chance to mop or put up signage notifying others of the danger ahead. Your customer slips and falls and now you have a potential claim on your hands.
We here at Monte Johnson Insurance want to help protect both you and your customers from slip and fall accidents. Listed below are our tips for preventing accidents and avoiding claims.
Tips for Preventing a Slip and Fall
- Conduct a daily safety survey – Be on the lookout for wet floors, loose carpeting, inadequate lighting, uneven floors, exposed cable/wires, etc
- Attend to the problem IMMEDIATELY – Put up warning signs and take the appropriate steps to eliminate the hazards
- Maintain floors and walkways – Fix all uneven surfaces by recoating or leveling the floors; if it can’t be fixed, invest in signage to notify others of the hazard
- Train employees in slip and fall safety and establish guidelines for reporting/responding to injury or hazard – Install secure handrails in all stairways
- Maintain your outdoor areas – Remember your sidewalks and parking lots need constant care, consider hiring out for snow removal in the winter months
- Document your efforts – Keep record of your daily safety inspections, maintenance work and how you’ve dealt with slip and fall accidents
Slip and Fall Coverage
Slip and falls are among the most preventable workplace accidents, but even those of you already following the above guidelines aren’t immune to potential claims and litigation. The financial impact of an accident can range from minor to massive depending on the situation.
Make sure your business liability insurance is adequate for covering customer and non-employee claims. Workers compensation coverage is also essential for protecting your business, while a business umbrella policy can protect you should the liability exposure exceed the limits of your base policy.
Stay safe and contact Monte Johnson for a business insurance quote today!
Source – http://www.nationwide.com/slip-and-fall-accidents.jsp
Photo h/t – http://www.paulmsmithlaw.com/fresno-slip-trip-and-fall-claims/
How Does Your New Car Rate? The effect of Year, Make, and Model on Insurance Premiums
6
May
2013
2013
The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and many of you here in Cascadia are shopping around for a new car. A new vehicle, of course, is likely to mean an adjustment to your current insurance premium. Let us at Monte Johnson Insurance Services Inc. help you understand how year, make, and model will impact your rate.
Oregon, Northern California, and Washington Auto Insurance
Pricing out the value of bells & whistles
A general rule of thumb to follow for calculating auto insurance rates is to remember that the newer the vehicle, the greater the premium. Why, you may ask? The answer is simple: Value. As vehicles age, its value depreciates, thereby reducing the likelihood of an insurance company paying out a large claim.
Make and model also factor into how we assess the value of your vehicle. That high end luxury car you’ve got your eye on, the one with the touch screen navigation and sunroof? In the event of a loss it is going to be more expensive to repair or replace, making it a greater risk for us to insure.
Model matters as well. Sedans for example, are insured at a lower rate than their coupe counter parts. This is because a coupe, determined via statistical means, is considered to be at a higher risk for accidents. But even trim can play the role of difference maker in how we assess the value of your vehicle. Stepping up to leather seats can mean stepping up your rate.
Risky business
Value isn’t the only way we rate your vehicle. While year, make, and model are key components of this formula, we are also concerned with the risk of theft and/or accident. Value primarily affects the optional portions of your insurance (think collision), while risk factors impact a variety of areas. Theft is one of the most common claims against comprehensive coverage. As insurers, we look at the statistical likelihood of your vehicle being stolen, as well as preventative measures taken by the manufacturer to discourage theft (anti-theft devices, alarms, GPS, etc.).
Adding it all up
Not every component used to calculate auto insurance premiums is within your control. Driving record, experience, and location also impact your rates as they factor into accident statistics and risk assessment. Your vehicle though, is entirely up to you. So remember, when you’re out looking for a new vehicle, compare makes, compare models and give us a call. We’re always here to compare quotes and help you on your journey to responsible car ownership.
h/t: How Cars are Rated and How it Affects Insurance Premiums Accessed 04/30/2013
Photo courtesy Monte Johnson Insurance Services Inc
You Just Got In A Fender Bender, Now What?
15
Apr
2013
2013
A 2012 survey conducted for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found that many people don’t know the minimal information they are supposed to share with the another driver after an accident. After an accident you are most likely worried about your safety and your vehicle, not thinking about filing a claim. So what should you do after a fender bender and how much information do you need to share to file an insurance claim?
You Just Got in A Fender Bender, Now What?
Information Collected and Shared After a Car Accident
Each State is different but generally the information needed to file a claim is:
- vehicle information
- insurance information
- details about the accident including location
- contact information of passengers/witnesses.
You shouldn’t exchange personal information until the police are present at the accident
site. Also do not admit fault for the accident, wait for the police to mediate. Unfortunately
fraud is one of the biggest issues in the insurance industry, anything said can be twisted and used against you.
You do not need to share your social security number, driver’s license number or your address. All of this information if shared could lead to identity theft. Do not allow your driver’s license to be photographed. If the other party cannot provide insurance documentation only then do you need to gather their driver’s license information.
Take Pictures
A picture says a thousand words and can provide the insurance company with the correct information when you file your claim. Take pictures of:
- License Plates of all vehicles involved
- Damage to other vehicles involved
- Damage to your vehicle
- Identify the location with landmarks, street signs or address markers
- Property damage at the scene (skids, fallen trees, debris, etc.)
These images can make it easy for the claims adjuster to see the damage and allow the claims process to work smoothly. When taking pictures be aware of your location dangers
such as other drivers or traffic.
Wreck Check
Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? Try downloading the Wreck Check App for your smart phone or download a printout version here. Wreck Check helps you determine what information to share, with whom, and what details are important when filing an insurance claim. With this app’s easy to follow step by step process you will get all the right information to file your claim.
To learn more about filing a claim or to report a claim go to our website. In most cases you will have to speak directly with the insurance carrier to report the details but we can help make sure that your claim is processed correctly.
Source: Accidents Happen, Take steps to protect yourself, your property and your
The Top 7 Crop Insurance Mistakes Made Before You File A Claim
8
Apr
2013
2013
We all make mistakes, but these 7 mistakes will cost you. Crop insurance can be confusing but according to the USDA Risk Management Agency these top the list of mistakes farmers make. Unfortunately all of these mistakes can result in an unpaid claim.
Underreporting/Over Reporting Your Planted Acreage Per Unit
The Top 7 Crop Insurance Mistakes Made Before You File A Claim
You should report all your acres to your insurance agent regardless of how many acres are planted. It will not save you money to underreport your total acreage. If you only plant half your acreage and have to file a claim you will only be paid for the planted acreage for that crop per unit. If you underreport your acreage you will not be compensated for the crop/acreage not stated on your insurance policy. Moral of story tell your agent all of your acreage and what you plan to do with it each year.
Report All Farm Serial Numbers (FSNs) Planted To The Insured Crop
Report all of your FSNs planted for your insured crop, an unreported FSNs will not be covered. This sometimes occurs when adding land to your policy. It can also happen because you accidently do not include the planted acreage figure under the farm number on their acreage reporting form. The real reason you do not want to forget to report your FSNs is because in a case of a claim you will not be compensated for any crop that does not have a FSN number attached to the policy.
Report the Production for All Farm Serial Numbers (FSNs)
Report all of your FSNs, with production information, before the production reporting date! The unit without production information will be assigned a yield based on the fickle T-yield set by the USDA. This T-yield is generally lower than the grower’s actual harvests. Make sure to check with your insurance agent for the correct production reporting date in your county.
“New Producer” Status
If you are a new producer you must designate New Producer status on your insurance policy. If you fail to do this the yield on your crop will be assigned using the variable T-yield method (a percentage of the county T-yield) instead of more favorable method of using 100% of the county t-yield. Moral of the story, file correctly or receive less money for a claim.
“Added Land” To Your Acreage Report
You must tell your insurance agent when you have Added Land to your lot. Not only do you want to make sure it has the same great coverage as your current acreage, but you also want to make sure your acreage report is calculated correctly.
Harvesting the Crop In A Manner Other Than Insured
If you are harvesting your crop in a manner other than intended without informing your insurance agent and have a claim, you will have a problem. For example: let’s say you have insured your wheat as grain, but harvest the wheat as hay. If there is no actual harvested grain for the insurance claims adjuster to measure, the crop must be field appraised for grain content before harvested. The insurance adjuster cannot appraise the grain content of harvested wheat hay. Therefore your claim will not be covered and you will be paying for this out of your own pocket.
Destroying The Insured Crop Without The Company’s Approval
If you destroy your production of a crop before an insurance claims adjuster can appraise it you will not be compensated for the claim. Make sure all of your I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed before you destroy a failed crop.
If you have any questions about these common crop insurance mistakes please give us a call at Monte Johnson Insurance, (541) 850-8170. We have insurance services for all your protection needs.
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed with Crop Insurance?
1
Apr
2013
2013
Whether this is your first time purchasing crop insurance or you are a seasoned farmer who knows the ropes, buying crop insurance can feel overwhelming. What kind of coverage do I need? How much is it going to cost? Does it cost more to insure my specialty organic crop? These are all valid concerns. That is why I’m here to help you navigate the ever changing landscape of crop insurance.
What Is Crop Insurance?
Monte Johnson Crop Insurance
Crop insurance is like a safety net if your crop ever fails. Here is an example. If you have a bad crop because of a late freeze you might have to take a loan from the bank just to pay for supplies for next year. No big deal if next year’s crop is healthy and you can sell it for a good price. But what happens if the next year a disease takes over your plants? Now you are in trouble, because you have a debt to pay to the bank, but you need to take out another loan to keep your farm from going out of business.
This is where crop insurance comes in. Crop insurance would reimburse you for the loss of income due to the late freeze the first year. Keeping you debt free and focused on what matters…your current crop.
What Does Crop Insurance Cover?
Multiple Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) must be purchased prior to planting. Depending on your coverage plan crop insurance covers damaged crops due to;
- Natural Disasters
- Disease
- Excess water
- Drought
- Freeze
- Infestation
If you think that is a little too expensive or protection for you there is also Crop-Hail insurance. Crop-Hail only covers you for hail which has the unique ability to totally destroy a significant part of a planted field while leaving the rest undamaged.
Does it Matter what County I Live In?
Yes it does matter what county you live in. If no other famer is growing the same crop in your county and there is no demand for that insurance you will not be able to be insured. An example is if no one in Eastern Oregon grows peaches then there is not peach crop insurance for your county. Each county has regulations and restrictions for different crops. It is important to work with your local knowledgeable insurance agent to make sure you are covered correctly for your county.
The Secret to Buying the Best Crop Insurance
I am going to let you in on a little crop insurance secret…there is no price difference no matter where you buy your crop insurance your cost will stay the same! Crop insurance is a run by the United States Government, which can mean a lot of long governmental documents to read about coverage’s for one type of crop for your county. It can all be very confusing.
So what is the real secret to buying the best crop insurance? Picking the right insurance agent of course. Make sure your agent it knowledgeable and up to date with the current regulations for your county. Also make sure your agent has your best interest in mind. Checking in each year to make sure you are covered for anything that comes your way.
Source: http://www.rma.usda.gov/
What do you need to know about Southern Oregon Winery Insurance?
20
Feb
2013
2013
Southern Oregon Winery Insurance is customized for each and every winery. The Southern Oregon Wine region is different from the rest of the state, and your protection plan should be different to. Depending on your operation, a Southern Oregon Winery Insurance package you have can cover all your needs. Some of the coverages combined on a Winery Package are:
- Property – dwellings, buildings, offices, tasting rooms, equipment, bottling supplies, barrels, etc.
- Liability – commercial general liability, completed products and liquor liability.
- Endorsements – storage, leakage and contamination.
You may not have all of the components that some wineries do, like the vineyards or the barrel room. Maybe you custom crush or don’t have a tasting room. Either way, your plan is set up to fit your needs.
Click here for more information on Southern Oregon Winery Insurance
One of the most overlooked coverages available to wineries and vineyards is Crop Insurance. Southern Oregon Vineyard Crop Insurance plans protect your production year to year. Each vintage is different, because each growing season is different. You can take out some of the risk of growing grapes with the right Crop Insurance plan. Your not going to replace any lost vintage, but you can replace some of the lost income.
At Monte Johnson Insurance we can handle all of the protection needs for you and your winery or vineyard. Contact us to find out how we can help.