The Internet is a fascinating place that is opening up new forms of social interaction, activities and organization of information. Social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus are creating revolutionary ways to interact with people all over the world. In addition, websites such as Amazon, Yelp and Angie’s List allow people to post online reviews of businesses of all types. The explosive growth of social media activity in the last few years is truly amazing.
These changes, however, have a dangerous element. Blogs and postings of a negative nature (even if they are true) can result in unexpected and costly lawsuits against the author. While volume of case law surrounding blogs, forums and social media publishing sites is limited, freedom of speech does not mean you can say anything you want anywhere. Freedom of speech implies responsibility and its use should generally be for the greater good. So, here are some basic “risk management” tips to consider before posting or blogging negative comments on the Internet.
Check your facts carefully and thoroughly document your sources. Truth is a complete defense in a libel case, although you still may run into expensive legal bills defending yourself. If you find that your facts are incorrect, remove the inaccurate content and consider issuing a correction or retraction.
If you purchase a product online and have an unpleasant experience with the seller, think twice before posting a negative comment or rating online. If you DO post an adverse comment, be sure that it is written objectively, based on solid facts concerning your own direct experience and not written in an inflammatory manner. If you are a blog master and someone is posting false and incendiary statements on your site, remember that you may be held liable for these remarks since you are the “publisher.”
Seek protection for your rights. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, has a mission to safeguard the rights of those who use digital media and to provide legal guides to bloggers both large and small. It also offers helpful ideas to those bloggers and online posters to avoid libel suits.
Make certain your homeowners policy includes a personal injury endorsement to cover libel and slander suits. Most standard insurance company policy forms do not provide this automatically, though it can be added for a small additional premium. Also, consider buying a personal umbrella policy which generally provides broader personal injury coverage.
If your blog is a money-maker, look into business liability coverage since the typical homeowners policy contains numerous business-related exclusions and restrictions. If you operate a small home-based business in conjunction with your blog or online business, consider requesting that a home-based business endorsement be added to your homeowners policy.
Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.
Copyright 2010
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
New changes in Kentucky driving laws could spell trouble for motorists without proper insurance. The Kentucky Legislature has mandated that all uninsured motorists across the state receive notices in the mail stating registration for their uninsured vehicle(s) will be cancelled if they do not obtain the required insurance, or if they fail to provide proof of existing insurance.
Once motorists receive the notice, they will have 30 days to show the appropriate proof of insurance. People with registered vehicles who have been without insurance coverage for 60 days will receive the notices. It is, after all, illegal in the state of Kentucky to drive without insurance.
Tom Zawacki, Commissioner of the Department of Vehicle Regulation, said: “It is vitally important that vehicle owners who receive an uninsured notice follow the instructions on the notice and contact their county clerk or the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing. They may also have to contact their insurance company, but that should not be the first step. They must take action. The notice cannot be ignored.”
This mandatory insurance initiative has been established for and aimed at drivers who have dropped their insurance coverage after their vehicles were registered. It’s estimated that around 30,000 notices will be sent each month.
There’s never been a better time than now to get your vehicle properly insured, not only because it’s the law, but because car insurance protects you and your family in the event of an accident. Take advantage of our instant auto quote to find how we can help. With more that ten competitive insurance companies available, Schwartz Insurance Group will help you save money on your auto and home insurance.
According to a recent Business First article, disaster costs are expected to drive up insurance rates this year. The main reason for a possible rate hike? Weather-related damages.
Unfortunately, residents of Louisville are no strangers to unpredictable weather conditions – at the same time, we’re also not always prepared for storms that move in fast and leave homes and vehicles damaged. Storms that produce heavy hail can break car windshields, pepper vehicles with dents and severely damage a home’s roof. Even if this has happened to you before, you may not be sure if you should submit an insurance claim. Here is a short list of considerations when deciding whether or not to submit a claim.
Assess the Damage
Sometimes damage is easy to see, like a broken window, and sometimes it is not so easy to see, like damage to the shingles high on your roof. Even if you have the slightest suspicion that you may have damage, you must get a professional to give you their opinion and quote. It is vital that you do this as soon as possible as insurance companies have a deadline for claiming wind/hail damage claims.
Costs
Even if you are told that you have minimal damage to your roof or car, you may still need to file an insurance claim. It’s important to note that even though your “base premium” may not be affected directly by wind and hail damage, an insurance company MAY eliminate discounts for no claims or as the article above noted, they may raise the costs of insurance by area or zip code. Ask your agentBEFORE you file a claim.
Warranties
Some people believe that their manufacturer or contractor’s warranty will cover the damage, but you will find that this is not always the case. Most manufacturers and contractors state hail and wind damage to your roof as an exception to the warranty. If you want to check anyways, you should, but don’t spend time fighting with the manufacturer when you can file an insurance claim without a lot of hassle.
These are three things to consider when deciding whether or not to contact your insurance company about filing a claim. Remember, the most important step is to get the problem fixed before any more damage is caused.
The personal insurance team at Schwartz Insurance Group is happy to answer questions about the claims process, offer suggestions about qualified (and trustworthy) contractors and of course, help you make sure that you are properly protected. Let us know if you have any questions.
Each month, Schwartz Insurance Group selects one peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value award. The winner is chosen based on their “living out” one of our agency’s core values … typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in servicing our customers. This month, Shelley Kuussalo was selected – here’s Shelley’s story:
Setting a goal is step one. Taking specific action towards the goal is step two. But, finding a way to reach that goal, despite challenges, is the real key. And, that dogged pursuit, despite all the inevitable setbacks, is what makes the journey more fun.
We set an agency participation goal in the Vitality program. As usual, there were challenges – as we navigated the process, secured rightful credits and had to reset our goals after adding new hires – but, Shelley Kuussalo championed the cause. With her support (and occasional push), success will come!
And, here’s a bit more about Shelley:
1. Tell us a little bit about the type of work you do at Schwartz Insurance Group.
I am a Client Advisor on the Employee Benefits team, working with our smaller group clients (and assisting with all our clients). I help businesses with every aspect of the benefits life cycle, from enrollment to education and claim issues to negotiating renewals and selecting the best option.
2. When you aren’t at work, what keeps you busy?
I love spending time with my children and grandchildren. I also enjoy history and needlepoint.
3. Have you always been in this industry? If not, what brought you where you are today?
I worked as an Executive Secretary years ago and was fortunate enough to be a “stay-at-home” mom for 20 years. When I re-entered the work force, I started as a bank teller, then administrative assistant and after some time with Humana, a friend put me in touch with a broker who was looking for an Executive Assistant … Matt Schwartz! I knew VERY LITTLE about health insurance at the time, but the opportunity for growth presented itself. Beyond a license, it’s been a wonderful path to learning this field and become a resource to small businesses.
4. What’s one thing you love about what you do for a living?
I love helping people – whether resolving claims issues or making benefit plans understandable – it’s meaning to me. Being a 10 year cancer survivor, I always remember how scary it was to learn I had cancer and knew nothing about my health insurance.
5. Tell us a little bit about what you do for fun.
I am very involved in Daughter of the American Revolution … in fact, I am part of a group who has just founded a brand new chapter in Louisville! We love local history, historical events, genealogy and focus on service to Veterans. We are learning a lot and having a lot of fun! And, we aren’t your grandmother’s DAR!!
6. If you could do one thing for a living that had nothing to do with your current job, what would it be?
History and Genealogy.
7. UK or UofL?
U of L!
Most homeowners are unaware of the many insurance scams that are rampant in the contracting community. All you know is that you have a damaged roof and you need to get it replaced as soon as possible before any more damage is done. Make sure that you get a good contractor by looking for these warning signs.
An unethical roofing contractor:
- Will not give you a solid estimate of how much it will cost to fix the damage.
- Will tell you not to talk to your insurance agent or to let them handle the insurance company.
- Will convince you that you do not need to pay your deductible or you will only need to pay a portion of the deductible to his company.
- Will offer an advertising agreement that “covers” your deductible in exchange for the advertising space. (Note: it is NOT illegal to advertise your roofing company, but it IS illegal for you to trade your deductible in exchange for putting their sign on your lawn.)
- Will not keep you updated as to the status of the work or the insurance claim.
- Will send false invoices for a higher dollar amount than what you actually paid (this is where you get into felony status). Furthermore, if you sign the invoice, you have committed insurance fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud whether you are aware of this or not.
When dealing with roofing contractors and insurance companies:
- Get a recommendation for a contractor from your insurance agency or company.
- If you are not using a recommended contractor, make sure that the contractor has good references and has been in business for longer than a few years. Ask for a track record.
- Get an estimate before you hire the contractor. It is their job to give you an estimate before you file the claim.
- NEVER believe a contractor who says that you do not have to pay the full amount of your deductible.
- Stay on top of your contractor and insist on being involved with the insurance company.
- If you are unsure or suspect anything is wrong, contact your insurance company directly and immediately.
Watch for these warning signs and follow these simple guidelines and you will never have to worry about being scammed or framed for insurance fraud.
The team at Schwartz Insurance Group provides customers help with the claims process, including offering recommendations on trustworthy contractors. Be in touch anytime.
Through the SOS Fund, our support for The Dream Factory has ranged from donations on behalf of our clients to volunteer time at annual holiday events, and even included a few years running a charity golf event, which raised over $80,000! It has been a very rewarding experience for everyone involved.
The Dream Factory is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to grant wishes to critically ill children around the United States. Although it’s now a nation-wide organization, it got its start right here in Kentucky in 1980.
Recently, with donations made by Schwartz Insurance Group, The Dream Factory was able to send Katelyn Poole and her family off to Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Katelyn’s dream was to see the Disney characters in person and ride on her favorite rides … her brother and sister were just as excited to get on an airplane for the first time!
Katelyn has battled many illnesses in her short six years, so it was an honor for us to be a part of this moment and help her dream come true. We were there to send her off on her trip – complete with a poster, goodie bags and some spending money. Although she was a bit apprehensive to leave, the big smile as she walked into the gate was pretty telling.
Then, when she arrived back home a few days later, her excitement was contagious. Katelyn and her whole family had a memorable trip! We had experienced another great moment of supporting a worthy cause!
It’s impossible to detail every situation for which you may need personal umbrella insurance – sometimes also called personal liability or excess liability insurance – but, you don’t want to wait until that situation arises before you are forced to understand what it is. So, what is personal umbrella insurance and do you need it?
Personal umbrella insurance is additional insurance that you use when your primary insurance doesn’t cover the costs. Consider an example: You hit someone in your car and they sue you and win the case. The settlement is for $500,000, but your insurance only covers $300,000. Where is the rest of the money going to come from? Well, the money could come from the seizure of your assets and home, a garnishment to your salary or from personal umbrella (liability) insurance. No doubt, most people would rather the extra $200,000 come from an insurance company than from them.
Everyone is at risk for being sued and anyone with ANY assets should seriously consider buying personal umbrella insurance. In other words, if you are a policy holder for anything, you should think about getting it. If you own a business, home or if you drive a car, you could be sued – today’s awards are significantly higher than they used to be. At one point, this type of insurance was only for the rich and powerful, but now this type of insurance insurance is affordable to anyone who wishes to purchase it.
We live in a litigious society – especially in the United States – whether it be car accidents that happen every day, trips and falls on your property, or even something like a dog bite injury, you CAN quickly be on the wrong end of a lawsuit. Right or wrong, it happens every day and if it happens to you, you can be left in financial ruin. Personal umbrella insurance can give you the peace of mind that no matter what happens, you will be protected and very likely avoid losing the assets you’ve worked hard to accumulate as a result of a lawsuit.
Personal umbrella insurance isn’t mandatory, but it is an affordable option that allows you to prepare for unforeseen circumstances – contact us for more information about this important protection or with other questions about your personal insurance.
Each month, Schwartz Insurance Group selects one peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value award. The winner is chosen based on their “living out” one of our agency’s core values … typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in servicing our customers. This month, Jack Stafford was selected – here’s a little bit more about Jack:
1. Tell us a little bit about the type of work you do at Schwartz Insurance Group.
I service and sell pers. And commercial insurance policies.
2.When you aren’t doing work, what keeps you busy?
I like to read and spend quiet time with the family.
3. Have you always been in this industry? If not, what brought you where you are today?
I have almost always been in the insurance industry. I started in 1980 with Nationwide as an agent for 7 years. I have also worked for Allstate as a CSR. My past 7 years were spent working for the Chelf Insurance Agency.
4. What’s one thing you love about what you do for a living?
The first person I ever interviewed with for Nationwide told me “No one can perform a better service than to secure the needs of others”. That is why I love doing this job. Securing the needs of others.
5. Tell us a little bit about what you do for fun.
Watch sports on TV. Read.
6. If you could do one thing for a living that had nothing to do with your current job, what would it be?
Not really sure. I have worked in the insurance industry so long and have no regrets.
7. UK or UofL?
I cheer for any school in the state of Ky, but if one plays the other I will cheer for UK.