Memories

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Remember when:

• It took 2 minutes for the TV to warm up
• Your dad made all the decisions
• Your windshield was cleaned, radiator & oil checked and gas served, without asking, all for free, each & every time
•  Car keys were always ‘stored’ in the ignition
• Hula hoops, Jacks & Pick up sticks
• Penny candy that cost a penny
• Home milk delivery in glass bottles
• 33’s & 45’s played on Hi Fi record players
• Adding machines, mimeograph machines &  typewriters
• Water balloon fights
• A neighbor’s new car was the talk of the neighborhood
• Chinese food was an occasional treat
• Suits, ties, hats, dresses & gloves were worn to church and on airplanes
• Bundle boys carried your groceries to your car
• Sen Sen
• Brill Cream-  “ A little dab will do ya”
• Scooter pies
• Kerosene smudge pots used as highway flares
• Car tires had inner tubes
• Wallpaper was hung with wheat paste and every room was wallpapered.
• All barbeque grills used briquettes
• Stores and malls were closed on Sundays
• You had to manually defrost your freezer
• Polaroid instant cameras
• The Ivory Soap twins
• “Winston tastes good, like a cigarette should”
• Pepsi Cola hits the spot, 10 full ounces, that’s a lot!Remember the slogan, “Your Independent Insurance Agent serves you first”? At A. Gordon Insurance, times haven’t changed. Our friendly staff at A. Gordon Insurance continues to put you first!

Risk in Perspective: Insight and Humor in the Age of Risk Management

Related articles

• Insurance 101 for Generation X (agordonins.wordpress.com)

Elderly Drivers: When to Hang Up the Keys

One of the great things about living in this country is the incredible independence with which we live our lives.  For many people, this independence revolves around being able to travel in a car. It’s not easy to give that freedom up, even if you shouldn’t be driving.  The facts speak for themselves: in an NHTSA study, it was found that senior citizens over 70 represent 9% of all drivers, but are responsible for 18% of pedestrian fatalities.

Driving tests for the elderly are becoming mandatory across the country, but not quickly enough. Moreover, most states only require tests at age 75 when chances are the damage has already been done.  It is infinitely better for an elderly driver to hang up the keys on their own terms rather than being forced to by a state mandate or court order.

“an NHTSA study found that senior citizens over 70 represent 9% of all drivers, but are responsible for 18% of pedestrian fatalities. “

How to approach “The Talk”:
One of the hardest things to do is to confront an elderly loved one about driving. Hold the conversation face-to-face rather than through the phone. Remember to be non-accusatory and objective; use “I” instead of “you” (“I wouldn’t want you to hurt someone innocent” rather than “You’re going to hurt someone”).  

The AARP has a list of 10 warning signs that should lead to the discontinuation of elderly driving; use these as resources to back up your argument if they apply.

1. Almost crashing, with frequent “close calls”
2. Finding dents and scrapes on the car, on fences, mailboxes, garage doors, curbs, or the like
3. Getting lost
4. Having trouble seeing or following traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings
5. Responding more slowly to unexpected situations, or having trouble moving your foot from the gas to the brake pedal; confusing the two pedals
6. Misjudging gaps in traffic at intersections and on highway entrance and exit ramps
7. Experiencing road rage or having other drivers frequently honk at you
8. Easily becoming distracted or having difficulty concentrating while driving
9. Having a hard time turning around to check over your shoulder while backing up or changing lanes
10. Receiving traffic tickets or “warnings” from traffic or law enforcement officers in the last year or two

 

Even if your loved one will not give up their keys, hopefully they will modify their driving to lessen their chances of an accident (no more road trips, night driving). But whatever they do or do not agree to, start planning alternative transportation so a plan is in place should they need it. That might also facilitate a successful key-hang-up later down the road.

How is the Cost of my Car Insurance Policy Determined?

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Have you ever wondered how your car insurance rates are calculated?  What affects that number on the bottom of the page? Here’s the answer:

1. What type of car you drive- some cars cost more to insure than others do. Your rate can be affected by how likely your car is to be stolen, its age, the cost of any future repairs, and how safe it is (or isn’t).
2. Your driving record- your driving record largely determines how well you drive (at least in the eyes of your insurance provider). The fewer incidents you’ve been involved in, the lower your premium will be. If you have a slew of accidents and driving violations on your road resume, expect to pay significantly more than if you have a clean record.
3. Where you live- Outside of your own driving ability, some areas are simply safer to drive in than others, both in terms of crime and accident statistics. Your rate can vary depending upon where you garage your car as well.
4. The number of miles you drive each year- Statistics says by the law of large numbers that the probability of an accident increases with the amount that you drive. Therefore expect a higher rate if you put hefty mileage onto your vehicle each year.
5. Your age- Young drivers (especially males) will have to pay augmented rates. Generally insurance providers divide the “steps” into drivers who have been on the road for under three years, three to six years, and more than six years.
6. Your credit- for many insurance providers, your credit score can have an impact on your insurance rates.
7. Coverage- like any other insurance rate, the price is partially determined by the coverage you already have. Make sure you shop around and get the best possible price for the coverage you need.

The good news: There are a variety of auto insurance discounts available to insureds. Here’s a video made by our agency that explains the various discounts you may be eligible for:

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon Insurance

MA Insurance: Pool Safety

Courtesy of sxc.hu

As a swimmer and a lifeguard, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in and around pools. While a great source of summer fun, deep water fun demands the respect of those who participate. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 7.4 million swimming pools and 5 million hot tubs used for recreation in America. Unfortunately, there are generally over 3,400 related drownings  each year, with 20% of the victims under 14 years of age. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe around pools.

ABC Pool Safety is a great resource for simple steps you can take to avoid pool accidents. Here’s what they say, in a nutshell:

Pool accidents can be prevented with three steps:

1. A – Adult supervision:
   • Adult supervision is the single most important aspect of safe pool use. Make sure there is a supervising adult at ALL TIMES. This means removing kids from a pool in the event of a telephone call or use of the restroom. Furthermore, in a large party or group, always have one adult designated to watching kids in the pool. Drowning often happens without sound or commotion, and if no adult is actively watching, it can go unnoticed.
2. B – Barriers:
   • Barriers that keep children away from the pool when not in use are essential (especially for small children). There are a variety of affordable products available for this function. Make sure that any furniture or structures that children could use to climb over the barriers are kept INSIDE the fence.
3. C – Classes:
• This step refers to CPR classes for parents should a crisis arise, and swimming lessons for children so that they are comfortable and able to swim in the pool. Never assume that floaties or inflatable toys are adequate substitutes for life-vests or similar safety devices. 

 For the full article, click here.

Further more, the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following:

1. Contacting town or municipality officials- every town or area has a specific set of guidelines as to what constitutes a ‘pool’ or ‘spa’. Contact the appropriate officials to make sure that your pool or spa meets the safety guidelines. If an accident does occur, this will help when dealing with your insurance provider.
2. Alert your insurance agent- If you purchase a pool, give your insurance agent a call. Pools increase your liability risk, and most providers have minimum standards of coverage required for pools and water recreation. Make sure everything is copacetic isurance-wise before taking the plunge.
3. Keep small children away from filters or pool cleaners; the suction from these devices are much more dangerous to small children than to an adult.
4. Never keep electronic devices such as radios near pools or on pool surfaces. DON’T BE THESE GUYS!
5. Limit alcohol use/consumption aroud pools. According to the CDC, a large portion of adolescent and adult poolside accidents occur as a result of alcohol.

Be safe, and have fun! Look to Gordon Insurance for your MA insurance needs and please use us as an informational resource; our business is your safety and peace of mind.

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

Appealing a Surcharge

 

Before you start the process of appealing a surcharge, it is important to first understand how the Merit Rating Board and Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) work.

 The Merit Rating Board:

All Massachusetts auto insurance companies are required to report at-fault accidents and out-of-state driving records to the Merit Rating Board (MRB). The MRB is the state agency that maintains driving records.
The MRB driving record consists of surchargeable incidents. A surchargeable incident is any event in which you are:

1. Convicted of, or pay a fine for, a motor vehicle violation
2. Assigned to an alcohol education program or controlled substance treatment or rehabilitation program
3. Found to be more than 50 percent at fault for an accident, and your insurance company makes a claim payment above a certain threshold

If you decide not to pursue an appeal, the surcharge can increase your premium and SDIP step.
In addition, each surchargeable incident counts toward possible license suspension.

You are considered to be more than 50 percent at fault in an accident if your insurance company:

1. Finds you at fault according to one of the 19 At-Fault Standards  and
2. Has paid a claim of more than $500 for Collision, Limited Collision, Damage to Someone Else’s Property, or Bodily Injury to Others.

Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP)
The Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) is mandated by state law to establish classifications of risks to fairly reflect the driving records of insureds and adjust premiums based in part on at-fault accidents. The Plan encourages safe driving by rewarding drivers who do not cause accidents or incur traffic law violations with a credit to their automobile insurance premiums, and discourages unsafe driving by requiring high-risk drivers to pay a greater share of insurance costs. Massachusetts, unlike many comparable jurisdictions that afford no or limited due process rights, provides the right to a hearing before an impartial hearing officer of the Board.

If you believe that you are not more than 50% at-fault for an accident in which you received a surcharge, you may appeal the motor vehicle accident surcharge to the Division of Insurance Board of Appeal.

Your insurance company will mail you a Notice of Surcharge.

1. If any of the information listed on the Surcharge Notice is incorrect (name, driver’s license number or date of accident), contact the issuing insurance company to make the corrections before appealing.
2. If you do not receive a Surcharge Notice or misplace it:
3. Contact your insurance agent for a copy of the Surcharge Notice     OR
4. Request a late appeal from the Merit Rating Board.
5. Complete the Surcharge Appeal Form located on the reverse side of the Notice of Surcharge.

• The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the surcharge date.
• If you did not submit your appeal within 30 days because you never received a Surcharge Notice, you must obtain a Late Appeal from the Merit Rating Board. The Board of Appeal must receive the Late Appeal within 30 days of your policy renewal.

1. Submit a $50.00 check or money order payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts/Board of Appeal.

• The fee is non-refundable.

1. Mail your appeal to the post office box designated on the application. Late appeals must be sent directly to the Division of Insurance, Board of Appeal.
2. Upon receipt of your surcharge application, the Board will mail you a postcard to acknowledge your appeal. Your cancelled check will serve as an additional receipt of your filing.
3. The Board will mail you a Notice of Hearing approximately 3 weeks prior to your hearing date.
4. Appeal hearings are scheduled in Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Peabody, Plymouth, Somerville, Springfield, Waltham, or Worcester. Carefully note the location of your hearing listed on the Notice. Directions are included at the bottom of the Hearing Notice.
5. Upon receipt of the Hearing Notice, you have three options for which to pursue the appeal:
1. Appear in Person.
   Bring your Hearing Notice to the scheduled location.
   Bring copies of all relevant information, any documents/photographs etc. that you want the Hearing Officer to consider when making the decision.
2. Submit a Written Statement in lieu of your appearance.
   The Board must receive your written or typed statement via mail or facsimile at least 5 days priorto your hearing. The statement must include:
• copies of all relevant information, any documents/photographs etc. that you want the Hearing Officer to consider in making the decision
• your signature on the Hearing Notice that identifies you are waiving a personal appearance in favor of your written statement & affirms that your statement is truthful.
3. Select a representative to appear on your behalf.
   If you elect to submit a written statement via a representative, instead of appearing in person, it must include:
   • Copies of all relevant information, any documents/photographs etc. that you want the Hearing Officer to consider in making the decision
   • your signature on the Hearing Notice that identifies you are waiving a personal appearance in favor of your written statement & affirms that your written statement is truthful.

The hearing is informal and public, lasting approximately 20 – 30 minutes. The Hearing Officer will make an audio tape recording of the hearing. You and your insurance company representative will be given an opportunity to present all pertinent information. You may also bring a witness or a witness statement to the hearing. The Hearing Officer may ask you or the representative questions to clarify the information presented or the circumstances of the accident.

At the conclusion of the hearing, the Hearing Officer will take your appeal under advisement. The facts and circumstances presented will be reviewed in accordance with the governing laws and regulations.

The Memorandum of Finding and Order, the Board’s decision, will be mailed to you within 2-4 weeks. The Board will also contact the Commonwealth’s Merit Rating Board and your insurance company so that your driving history record will be properly updated.

• If the decision is marked VACATE, the Board has found that you were not more than 50% at-fault for the accident. Any points that you received on your driving record as a result of the accident will be removed.
• If the decision is marked UPHELD, the Board has found that you were more than 50% at-fault for the accident. The surcharge points will remain on your driving record.

If you disagree with the determination of the Board, you may appeal the decision to your county’s Superior Court or in Boston Suffolk County Court. You must file this appeal within 30 days of your receipt of the decision.
A surcharge incurred due to a traffic violation or a non-moving violation are not appealable to the Board…

Bill Cordaro
Commercial Accounts
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

Related Articles

• What is an insurance surcharge (wiki.answers.com)

Property Damage: Don’t let an old house become a mold house

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Now that we are halfway through the winter season and  heading into a potentially “wet” spring, it is important that we be on the lookout for mold in our homes.  Homeowner policies generally provide limited coverage for mold/fungi damage following a covered loss (usually $10,000 for property damage claims and $50,000 for liability claims).

Experts claim that the best way to control mold growth is to control the amount of moisture within the home.  If there has been some type of water damage to the residence, whether a result of ice dams, burst pipe, or sump pump failure, it is important that the repairs are done in a timely fashion, all excess water is eliminated, and any mold is immediately removed.

Not only can mold pose a problem for your home and contents , it may also be detrimental to your health.  Residents have suffered allergic reactions, respiratory illnesses, and asthma as a result of the presence of mold in their homes.

Since mold can grow almost anywhere and practically on anything where moisture and oxygen are present, it is recommended that you eliminate condensation by various methods, such as venting showers, clothes dryers, and cooking areas to the outside.  Humidifiers should not be constantly running as this keeps moisture in the air.  Proper insulation and ventilation should be maintained within the home during all four seasons.

Additional information on this subject can be obtained by visiting: www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.

For more interesting tidbits regarding insurance or other topical subject matter, please visit our website at: www.agordon.com.

Donna  B.
A. G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management+

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• Mold Removal Cost – What You Can Expect To Pay (nationaldamagerestoration.com)

Pig A la Mode

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We tend to think of the more common types of Homeowners claims such as fire, theft, wind damage etc. My dad always called his Homeowners policy his “Fire policy”.  “If it’s not a fire, I’m not putting in a claim”. Times have changed since then and homeowners look to their policy to help them share the burden of loss.

As an agent, one of my most memorable claims involved a pet pig. Hilarious but true! My clients were awakened by lightning damage at their home.  It seems that a lightning bolt hit the side of their car, knocking off both hub caps. According to the fire department, the lightning bolt then traveled underneath the paved driveway and knocked off the hub caps on the other side of the car. The bolt then proceeded to travel over to the gate of the Smith’s metal fence, hitting the electric lock and causing the gate to open. Fenced inside was the Smith’s pet pig. The pig became spooked and ran across the street and in the neighbor’s back yard.  The pig then ran across the covered in ground pool and fell through the cover. The fire department successfully rescued the pig from drowning.

• Replacement of the damaged electric lock, replacement for the neighbor’s pool cover, and the fire department service charge were covered on the Homeowners policy.
• Replacement of damaged hub caps were covered on the auto policy.
• Rescued & consoled pig…………………..Priceless!

Bill C.
A. G. Gordon, Inc.

Sometimes, it’s good to sit back and laugh at insurance, which is usually a serious matter. Check out our website for more insurance information and resources.

Burglary and Crime Prevention Tip

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  Put your car keys beside your bed at night
 
 
 Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, your Dr’s
 office, the check-out girl at the market, and everyone you run across. Put your
 car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or
 someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your
 car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until
 either you turn it off or the car battery dies. This tip came from a
 neighborhood watch Coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and
 you start to put your keys away, Think of this: It’s a security alarm system
 that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It
 will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking
 until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the
 key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage.. If your car
 alarm goes off when someone is trying to break into your house, odds are the
 burglar/rapist won’t stick around..
 After a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to
 see who’s out there and the criminal won’t want that. And
 remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The
 alarm can work the same way there. This is something that should really be
 shared with everyone; it could save a life or prevent a sexual abuse crime.

For more relevant insurance information and practical tips, visit the A. G. Gordon, Inc. website.

Carbon Monoxide: Gaseous Ninja

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is one of the most lethal gases to encounter.  It’s particularly dangerous because it’s everywhere, and extremely hard to detect. This “silent killer” is both odorless and colorless, and in high levels can kill in less than 5 minutes. It bonds with hemoglobin in the blood to form carboxyglobin, which prevents oxygen from reaching the brain. CO is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe.

Preventionis the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

	DO have your fuel-burning appliances — including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves — inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
	DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
	DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
	Note: Propane is also colorless and odorless, which is why propane companies add a sulfur compound to the formula to make the gas smell bad.

 

	DON’T idle the car in a garage — even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
	DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
	DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors — even in a fireplace.
	DON’T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
	DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
	DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.*List courtesy of www.epa.gov *

 

A Few Words About CO Detectors: 

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up — BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don’t pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odorless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.

Related Articles

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Protection Tips (homesecuritysource.com)
• Carbon Monoxide Hazards and Your Home (homeownersinsurance.org)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning – All Information (umm.edu)

For more insurance information, as well as topical and relevant resources, visit our website, www.agordon.com.

What is a Puffback?

Most of us have never heard of a puff back. A puff back occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout your home or business. It can happen all at once (like a balloon popping) or more gradually (as if someone was holding the end of a balloon and letting the air seep out slowly). It is usually easy to tell when a puff back has occurred. Soot covers all areas of the home or business and may range from light to very heavy. Sometimes the disbursement of soot is so light and fine it appears to be ordinary dust. This “dust” however reappears hours after being cleaned. There is often a strong odor of oil accompanying a puff back.

If you try to wash the film of soot off of your furniture & walls with ordinary soap & water, it actually smears the soot around without removing it, leaving you (and your walls) rubbed the wrong way. Home restoration companies have to use special chemicals to remove the soot; a washcloth and some warm water is not going to be effective. But as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of soot not on your walls: having your oil furnace checked and cleaned annually be a service technician will prevent even the grimiest furnaces from spewing into your home.  Best done before winter!  Gas furnaces burn cleaner and do not pose this type of peril.

And for more insurance information, as well as topical and relevant insurance resources, visit the A G Gordon Website.