Ice Dams – what to do

Many homeowners may have ice dams forming on their roofs after all the snow we’ve had this winter. Once an ice dam forms, it is difficult to fix. The safest course is to hire a professional because of the dangers of falling snow and icicles, unsecured ladders, and possible damage to shingles and gutters.

If you choose to do the work yourself, take extreme care and follow these recommendations from contracting experts:
1. Use a roof rake to remove snow buildup from the roof.

a. AVOID USING A ROOF RAKE NEAR ANY ELECTRICAL WIRING!
b. DO NOT climb on a roof or work on a ladder beneath a roof that has lots of snow on it
c. Be especially careful on ladders; be sure the base is well secured.
2. Remove ice buildup around gutters by melting the ice with calcium chloride (other products such as rock salt will damage the roof shingles). For added effectiveness, put the melting agent inside a sock or nylon stocking, and lay perpendicular to the gutters or roof line. This creates a channel in the ice dam, releasing the melting agent slowly and allowing the water to drip to the ground through.
3. After applying a melting agent, if you must chip the ice, do so very carefully. NEVER strike your roof with an axe, hammer, or anything that will damage the shingles.

Warning signs: Aside from leaks, stains, and damaged ceilings or walls, there are several signs that ice dams are beginning to cause interior damage.
• Large icicles hanging from the gutters during cold-snaps following snow storms.
• A thick blanket of snow down slope of bare shingles points toward trouble.
• Water dripping from the roof over a layer of ice is a hint that a dam has formed.
Visit our website at www.agordon.com for a list of local contractors who are trained at removing ice dams safely and effectively. The cost to have ice dams removed from your home is usually less than your deductible!
For other tips on keeping the cost of your homeowner’s insurance low, visit www.agordon.com/home, or view our library of whiteboard presentations at www.agordon.com/whiteboards.

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.

Water, Water, Everywhere.

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Homeowner claims resulting from water damage are on the rise (no pun intended). Bob Passmore of the Property Casualty Insurance Association of America reports that “out of every $100 paid in insurance claims, $12 goes to water damage and freezing claims, not including water damage from flooding rivers and seas.   Flooding from ground water is not covered unless you have a flood insurance policy.  

Water damage, other than floods, is covered if the cause is sudden and accidental. A loose drain pipe from the bathtub that slowly leaks for months and buckles the bathroom floor is not covered.  However, the damage caused by a pipe that suddenly bursts is covered. The plumber’s repair to replace the pipe is not covered but the resulting damage is.  

There are measures you can take to prevent and lessen the amount ofwater damage and their resulting claims. Here are some that come to mind:  

• Ice dams are caused by the melting ice in your gutter that backs up under your roof shingles, causing water damage to your ceilings, windows and walls. Use an ice dam rake on your roof when snow accumulates.
• Have a licensed plumber periodically check your plumbing pipes.
• Replace your washing machine and dishwasher hoses with ‘no-burst’ hoses. Unlike rubber hoses that can burst over time, these are made of a metal sheath that protects against bursting.
• Periodically check around and under your hot water heater for any signs of leakage – a small drip from the tank can turn into a ruptured tank in no time at all!
• Never run your dishwasher or washing machine when not at home (easier said than done, I know).
• Check your toilets and under your sinks for any signs of water leakage.
• At the first sign of freezing weather, turn off your outside water spigots (from the inside of the house) then drain from the outside. Newer spigots are designed to prevent freezing do not have to be shut off from the inside during the winter months. These can be replaced by a licensed plumber.
• Check your ice-maker and its water line for any signs of leakage.
• When on vacation, especially in the winter, have someone check your home daily.
• Water alarm sensors are available to detect the presence of water in your basement
• A temperature monitoring device plugs into your phone outlet and can alert you via cell phone that the temperature has dropped to the danger point of freezing. Use such a device when vacationing in the winter.
• Newer gas furnaces operate with an electronic pilot. Older models have a gas flame pilot that can blow out from a draft. No heat means freezing pipes! Before going away on vacation, familiarize which type of pilot you have. If the former, this is another good reason to have someone check your home daily or have a temperature monitoring device!

Please watch for our future blog, “How to minimize further damage if you sustain water damage to your home “.  

And for more relevant insurance information, and resources to save you time and money, visit the A. G. Gordon, Inc. Website.  

Related Articles

• Emergency Water Damage Cleanup and Repair (homerenorepair.suite101.com)
• Burst pipe floods parking lot (tech.mit.edu)

Linseed Oil is Hot Stuff

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Ever wonder about horror movie special effects where an object suddenly bursts into flames without any likely cause? Look around the movie set and there is no electrical short, match, flame or spark to set the object ablaze.  You may have witnessed a phenomenon called  spontaneous combustion.   

One of our insurance agency customers learned about this phenomenon firsthand  after cleaning her antique pumpkin pine floors with linseed oil. She placed the rags in her washing machine. The insured walked away for only a few minutes before turning on the machine when suddenly the rags combusted and began melting the inside drum of the washer. The fire department responded within minutes and the homeowner only incurred very minor smoke damage to her million dollar home.  

There was a very happy ending to this story but it brings an awareness to the dangers of linseed oil and other oils used to finish wood. Heat  is generated during the drying process for these oils. This is because the oils do not dry like paint through the evaporation of a solvent or water. Linseed and other oils dry through the same process that generates fire- oxidation. There must be enough heat in order for spontaneous combustion to occur. That’s why you won’t see a recently finished table spontaneously combust from linseed oil treatment because the chair is open to the air.  

  

Linseed oil soaked rags pose the biggest risk for spontaneous combustion. The rags act as an insulator as the oil oxidizes. This allows the oxidizing oil to become hot enough to cause the rags to smoke and eventually ignite.  Also,  the bigger the pile of rags then the greater the risk of sudden combustion. Room temperature is also a factor.  Rags reach ignition temperature quicker in warmer rooms.  

Have no fear home improvement enthusiasts- there is a way to safely dispose of rags soaked with linseed or other oils to finish wood. These cloths should either be burned immediately following use or stored in a metal container filled with water and a metal lid to be disposed as hazardous waste.  

For more topical, relevant insurance information, risk management resources, or to get a quote from us, visit our website.  

Related Articles

• Is cooking oil flammable? (greenanswers.com)
• Before You DIY, Know the Dangers of Linseed Oil (abcnews.go.com)

   

Kasey McCarthy, CPCU  

A. G. Gordon, Inc.  

In the Doghouse

For many homeowners, a dog is a cherished member of the household; according to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 77.5 million household dogs in the U.S., a whopping 39 percent of all households. Normally, human-dog interaction is a positive experience for both animal and person, but lately, dog-bite statistics have been increasing. Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims paid out in 2009, costing $412 million and up 8.70 percent from 2008, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

More than 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs annually, and nearly 900,000 of those, half of them children, require medical care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department. The rate of dog bite related injuries is highest for children aged five to nine years old; the rate decreases thereafter. With more than 50 percent of bites occurring on the dog owner’s property, the issue is a major source of concern for insurers.

Dog Owner Liability
There are three kinds of law that impose liability on owners:
1. Dog-bite statute: The dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes, even without provocation.
2. “One-bite” rule: In some states, the owner is not held liable for the first bite the dog inflicts. Once an animal has demonstrated vicious behavior, such as biting or otherwise displaying a ‘vicious propensity’, the owner can be held liable. Some states have moved away from the one-bite rule and hold owners responsible for any injury, regardless of whether the animal has previously bitten someone.
3. Negligence laws: The dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because he or she was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog.
The owner of a dog, however, is not liable if the dog injures a trespasser.

The CDC recommends the following steps regarding human-dog interaction:
 Consult with a professional (e.g., veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or responsible breeder) to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood.
 Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. Dogs with histories of aggression are inappropriate in households with children.
 Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful of or apprehensive about a dog and, if so, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
 Have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they are NOT neutered.
 Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other people and animals.
 Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.
 Play non-aggressive games with your dog, such as “go fetch.” Playing aggressive games like “tug-of-war” can encourage inappropriate behavior.
 Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response.
 Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.
 Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Using these strategies should hopefully allow your personal relationship with Fido to be a positive one.

For the full article, click here.

At A. G. Gordon, we have an opportunity to work alongside many outstanding businesses, one of which is Trouwe Hond, a professional dog training and kennel business that is truly top in its class. If you have a dog, check out their site. And for more insurance information, as well as risk-management solutions, visit the A. G. Gordon, Inc. Website, or click here to recieve an online quote.

Homeowners Insurance Claims hints

A burst of flames, wind damage from a summer storm or water damage from a burst pipe can all cause substantial damage to your home. Submitting a homeowners insurance claim is a simple process if you follow these steps:

1. First, notify your insurance company that your home has suffered damage. Let the company know the type and extent of damage as they will prioritize claims adjuster visits based on the severity of the claim. Give your contact information so the company can reach you to set up an appointment.
2. Document your loss- you will need to prepare for the claim adjuster visit by providing a list of damaged items. Starting a home inventory list before a loss makes this process simple.
3. Keep receipts for any additional living expenses such as hotel or meals if you are unable to stay at your home.
4. It is your responsibility to make temporary repairs to prevent further damage if it is safe to do so. Make arrangements and save any receipts.
5. Keep organized – along with receipts keep a list of all contacts involved with the claim.
6. Don’t be a victim of a scam – check references before giving deposits to contractors.
7. Keep your agent at Andrew Gordon Insurance informed if we can be of any assistance with your claim.

Look to Gordon Insurance at www.agordon.com for overall risk and insurance advice. For specifics on your home insurance visit www.agordon.com/home, or for all our whiteboard presentations, visit www.agordon.com/whiteboards

ID theft – insurance protection

With more people accessing the internet and spending more and more time on their computers, identity fraud incidences are becoming more prevalent. It is in your best interest to check with us regarding adding coverage if you don’t have already.
In the meantime, follow simple rules: maintain strong passwords, don’t open suspicious emails, and especially don’t reply to emails asking for account numbers or other personal private information. Consider also ID protection services.
ID theft can happen to anybody, and having a coach and an advocate after the fact to get your identity back can be invaluable.
For more on this and other ways your homeowners can protect your assets, visit www.agordon.com and click the homeowners link.

AIR announces new hurricane modeling

Warm summer breezes remind us in the insurance world that conditions ripen for tropical storms and hurricanes.  Hurricanes damage so much property over such large areas that forecasting the damage for all the landfall possibilities is important.  Having accurate tools for estimating costs that the industry can expect during hurricane season can make or break an insurance company.  Good data and accurate modeling are critical.

AIR Worldwide is one of the top modeling companies in the world, and they just announced the next generation model.  These are enormously complex models that take into consideration wind estimates, construction types (e.g. frame vs. masonry or steel), new building codes in vulnerable areas and other variables.  For more, visit AIR’s recent press release on the issue. http://www.air-worldwide.com/NewsAndEventsItem.aspx?id=19474

For more on home and property insurance for your home or business, visit www.agordon.com.

Congress Extends Flood Insurance Program For 5 Years

We’ve blogged before on the failure of Congress to extend authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program for a period of time that is meaningful.  Over the past year the program has been suspended by lack of action several times, each with only brief extensions.  Legislation has finally passed authorizing National Flood for another 5 years. 

Taxpayers and policymakers can argue whether it’s good for the government to subsidize coastal property development by providing insurance that the private market won’t offer, but we feel strongly that if there is a program, it should be stable and predictable.  State Farm dropped out of participating altogether a few months ago, since the start – stop nature of the government backing made participation difficult.  This is truly a good step toward providing predictability in this market.

For timely and economical solutions for your needs, look to Gordon Insurance for home insurance, and investment property insurance and business insurance all along the coast.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance provides a broad array of personal insurance coverages, for owners of homes, as well as condo owners and renters / tenants. A homeowners is known as a “package” policy, because it includes both protection for your property (your personal items, the house, and any detached buildings), as well as liability (defense and judgment costs if you are sued).

The most common homeowners policy is the HO-3. However, some companies now offer the broader HO-5 on homes that meet specific underwriting standards. For a detailed summary of why the HO-5 is a better value, click to our HO-3 vs. HO-5 page for a list of differences.

The HO-4 is used for renters, and has no building coverage, and the HO-6 is specially designed to address condo owners needs.
Below lists the different kinds of homeowners policies:

Policy form: HO-1
Generally Known As: Basic
Used For: Camps, homes with no interior plumbing, no central heat, etc.
Characterized By: “Basic Perils”: extremely limited coverage (Fire and lightning, with vandalism at an additional cost). Archaic; Used rarely.

Policy Form: HO-2
Generally Known As: Broad
Used For: similar to HO-1, on camps, unimproved old homes
Characterized By: Named Perils on Dwelling and Contents; seldom used except when company requires.

Policy Form: HO-3
Generally Known as: Special
Used For: most commonly purchased home insurance, minimum required by lenders for new home purchases
Characterized by: “Open Perils” on Dwelling (the house); “Named Perils” on Contents (your stuff): Additional coverages may be added by endorsement (such as “replacement cost” treatment, personal injury).

Policy Form: HO-4
Generally Known As: Tenants policy
Used For: Tenants, apartment renters
Characterized By: No coverage for building (that’s the landlord’s responsibility), just Contents and Liability protection.

Policy Form: HO-5
Generally Known As: Special Building and Contents
Used For: newer, preferred homes, offered selectively by a few companies.
Characterized By: Great if it’s available “Open Perils” on Dwelling; “Open Perils” on Contents, replacement cost coverage, higher limits on jewelry, silverware, etc., plus broader liability protection.

Policy Form: HO-6
Generally Known As: Condo Policy
Used For: Condominium owners
Characterized By: Coverage on personal property as with HO-4, but also can include coverage for building (e.g. interior walls, build-outs), and other condo owners’ needs.

And for risk mitigation and insurance solutions, look to www.agordon.com for topical and relevant resources.