Robert Zabbia's Agency Insider

Avoid Holiday Season Distractions Behind the Wheel

2011-12-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the season of multitasking: Mixing the cookie batter with one hand while trying to address holiday cards and wrap presents with the other. While the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most stressful.

Drivers are faced with the added distractions of holiday music, traffic jams, and congested mall parking lots and other shopping areas with pedestrians and moving vehicles. With so many things to do, and so little time to do it, it’s no wonder why we try to multitask while driving.

Allstate has conducted extensive research, which has found that eliminating distractions in the car can help drivers avoid accidents and ultimately save lives. Texting, talking on the phone, changing the radio, eating, putting on makeup and joking around with friends all increase the odds of a crash.

Can you imagine if everyone invited these distractions in during the holidays? Multitask a little less, and keep the roads safer.

Don’t let distractions ruin your holiday spirit this season. Here at Allstate we encourage you to practice caution behind the wheel. We know accidents happen, but that shouldn’t get you down.

Here are some good driver safety tips from Allstate:

·                     Keep your eyes on the road.

·                     Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

·                     Do not eat while driving

·                     Do not apply cosmetics or groom if you are behind the wheel.

·                     Pull over if you feel drowsy.

For more information on these or any other safety tips, please contact me at 516-799-6900, 845-229-6109 or via email at robertzabbia@allstate.com.

Wishing you a very Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

George

Washington's

1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

G. Washington (his actual signature)

Thank you to all of our Veterans

2011-10-31T07:19:00.000-07:00

The United States of America is the beacon of freedom to the world. It is because of the dedication and sacrifice of our Veterans and their families. A friend passed on this list to me, and I wanted to share it with you so you can share it with any Veterans you know. Please pass it on.

Restaurants

Abuelo’s Mexican Food - Abuelo’s offerings vary by region, be sure to call ahead to see what the discounts or freebies are included.

Applebees - All veterans and active duty military eat free from a limited menu at Applebee’s on Veterans Day.

Chili’s — Veterans and active duty dine for free from a special limited six item menu on Veterans Day.

Golden Corral — Golden Corral Restaurants’ Military Appreciation Monday free dinner will be available on November 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Military retirees, veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserves are all welcome.

Hooters — All Veterans and active duty eat free. The free entrees must be selected from a special Veterans Day menu.

Krispy Kreme – All active-duty, retirees & veterans get a free doughnut on Veterans Day. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is par-ticipating.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — Participating McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants offer a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space available basis, online reservations are highly recommended.

Outback Steakhouse — Veterans and active-duty military get a complimen-tary Bloomin’ Onion and non-alcoholic beverage on Veterans Day.

UNO Chicago Grill — UNO is offering a Buy One Get One free offer to Service members or Veterans with a military or veteran I.D. or in uniform or with a photo of themselves in uniform. The Veterans Day BOGO offer includes a free entree or individual pizza, with the purchase of an entree or pizza of equal or greater value.

Texas Roadhouse – Free meal from opening until 4pm. on Veterans Day. Call ahead to your local restaurant for more information.

T.G.I. Friday’s – Veterans and Service members Buy one get one free from Nov 11–14. Contact your nearest location for more details on their Veterans Day BOGO offer.

Retail

The Dollar General — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families will receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon. The coupon may be found in store circular ads or by asking a sales associate.

Home Depot — Offers a 10 percent discount to all Veterans during Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Lowe’s — All veterans receive the 10-percent discount on Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. The offer is available in stores only and is limited to in-stock and special-order purchases of up to $5,000.

Sam’s Club — Sam’s give away 36,000 collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Sam’s Club will require membership for this offer, but proof of service may be necessary.

Amazon.com – Free ―Veterans Day Honor‖ MP3 album download. The album includes 12 songs by The Bands and Ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store – Offers their employee discount to all veterans, active-duty military and reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel November 11-12. Discounts vary from 5% to 50%, depending on the item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop – Members of the armed services including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Reserve Officer Training Corps, will receive a 20% discount November 11-15 on any one transaction at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Fashion Bug – 20% off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse’s military ID.

Sports Clips Haircuts - The men’s hair salon chain is offering a free haircut to active military and veterans on Veterans Day.

Foot Locker — Veterans, Service members (Active, Guard, and Reserve), and their immediate families with a Foot Locker Veterans Advantage Card receive a 20 percent discount every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports — even on sale items.

It's almost time to put away your classic car!

2011-10-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Fall is a great time to get out and drive your classic car/hot rod. The temparature are better for those without A/C! For those classic car owners who live in more dramatic climates, it's almost time to put your cars to bed for the winter. We've put together some steps to help you do it right. Feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may benefit.

1. Top off your levels.
Fill your gas tank and add a fuel preservative. The full tank keeps out moisture, and the preservative keeps the gas from breaking down. Take one last drive to circulate the preservative.
Make sure your antifreeze is fresh and topped off.
To avoid a nasty sludge in the spring, change the oil
2. Take preventative measures.
Give your car a good wash and wax to protect the paint. Protect the chrome with wax or paint sealant.
Over-inflate tires to avoid flat spotting, or jack up the car to take pressure off the tires.
Put a battery manager on your car.
To prevent rodents nesting in an engine compartment, try a rodent repellent under the hood. Just remember to remove it before starting up.
Put down a few moisture pads on the upholstery to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
Cover the car with a breathable car cover to prevent corrosion and rust.
3. Re-circulate your oil.
When a car sits, oil settles into the pan, leaving the engine without lubrication. Disconnect the coil wire and crank the engine

Child Passenger Safety Week

2011-09-20T06:17:00.000-07:00

No parent would intentionally compromise the safety of his or her child. Unfortunately, when it comes to passenger safety, an innocent error can lead to tragedy.

In addition, many parents don't realize that children need the protection of a booster seat until they are at least eight years old. In NY the law is eight years old or under 100 pounds.

With the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority's Child Passenger Safety Week being held September 18 - 24, 2011, it's the perfect time to think about having your child safety seat inspected. As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, the NHTSA is culminating the week with National Seat Check Saturday on September 24, 2011.

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury among children under eight in the United Sates. Despite very high levels of safety seat ownership and virtually universal access to safety belts, adults still take chances with children and do not use these safety systems on every ride. Such inconsistency has led to tragic outcomes, with adults confessing, "I didn't think it could happen to my child."

Irene Caused Widespread Flooding, here is what to do

2011-08-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

If you need to file an insurance claim following floods and you have a policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), in many cases you can contact your private insurance company, such as Allstate Insurance Company, to help you begin the claims process. Our clients can call us, and we will get you in touch with a flood adjuster.
Allstate policyholders who have purchased NFIP policies can file a claim by calling 800-54-STORM or by logging on to www.allstate.com or by contacting their local Allstate agent.

Here are some tips for starting your flood insurance claim:

Gather all relevant policy information and numbers.
Call your insurance agent or company and make sure to mention that your damage is flood specific and you need to file a NFIP claim so your claim is processed appropriately.
Make sure your agent and claims adjuster know how to contact you. If you are in a shelter and not easily reached, provide the name of a designated relative or point-of-contact who can reach you.
Remove water damaged items from the home as soon as possible.
Take lots of photos. Take photos of any water in the house and damaged personal property. Your adjuster will need evidence of the damage and damaged items (i.e. cut swatches from carpeting, curtains, chairs) to prepare your estimate.
Inventory your home for damaged or lost items before your adjuster arrives. This will help facilitate your claim process.

Obtaining a flood insurance policy is easy.

Since a flood policy does not take effect until 30 days after purchase, we encourage residents to consider their home's risk for flooding and call us well before the waters rise. You never know when a storm will strike, and 30 days is a long time to wait, so act now, before it is too. late. Flood insurance can be as low as $10 a day to protect your home. That is a small price to pay, considering that flood claims cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Irene has New York in her sites, so you need to be prepared for her before she hits. Here are some important steps to take:

How to help protect yourself and your family in advance of a storm:

• Conduct a home inventory recording each of your possessions. It’s also helpful to keep track of model numbers and stores where items were purchased. Store your inventory, including photos and videos, in a safe place away from your home.

• Develop an evacuation plan that includes identification of safe areas, escape routes, meeting locations and plans for pets.

• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit including a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, radio and batteries, flashlight and first-aid kit.

• Remove any diseased and damaged limbs from trees to keep them from blowing around during a storm and causing property or automobile damage.

• Tie down any lawn furniture and toys that can become projectiles and damage your home, pool or cars.

• Purchase materials such as ¾-inch plywood that can be used to reinforce your windows, doors and garage doors. Install anchors and pre-drill holes for the plywood so you can install them quickly in the event of a storm.

• Install head and foot bolts in doors for extra protection.

Minimize your losses:

• Review your home insurance policy and coverage limits with an agent. Know what you are and are not covered for in the event of a hurricane.

• Find out if you have comprehensive auto coverage for damage to your car caused by falling objects or flood.

• Gather important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and identification. Make sure to place them in a waterproof container.

• Make sure you and your family are safe during and after the storm.

• Take steps to minimize further damage after a storm. Only use licensed professionals to take care of any damage.

Good Luck, and let's hope that Irene passes out to sea. For more information, please visit my site: http://www.zabbiaagency.com/

Summer Safety Tips for your Pets

2011-07-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

Most people who have pets treat them as part of the family. So we decided to pass along some expert tips to help you keep yours safe while on the go with you this summer.

On the Road: Sometimes what holds back a road trip with the dog is our furry friend's motion sickness. A fairly new drug, Cerenia, can alleviate it better than earlier ones that either didn't work well or put dogs to
sleep. When motion sickness isn't so profound, doggie ginger cookies also may ease queasiness. And for
pooches that just get stressed out by car rides, a Dog Appeasing Pheromone collar (like aromatherapy for dogs) or lavender hanging from the rear view mirror can help.

Here are some other pet travel tips to keep in mind:

Dogs and cats should never travel on laps. Cats should be in carriers, and that's also a good idea for dogs accustomed to them. Small and mid-size dogs also can be strapped into a canine safety seat, available at pet supply stores.
Never let a dog ride in the back of a pickup truck, which - wisely - is banned in some places.
For an extra fee, many airlines will allow you to take pets on board a plane if they're small enough to fit in a carrier that will slide under the seat in front of you.
No matter where you travel or how you get there, your per should have an ID tag and an identification microchip, and you should bring proof of your pet's current rabies vaccination.

Bunking Together: Although there are more pet friendly hotels, motels, B&B's and campgrounds than ever, there's no guarantee you'll find one by chance. Some places require a pet security deposit, which is returned if the chairs aren't chewed up or the carpet piddled on. And some charge an extra non-refundable fee, while others offer pet perks, from dog walking to pet room service menus! Make sure you get specifics about hotel pet polices and fees before you book a room so there are no surprises. And it's always a good idea to get a written confirmation with all the pet policy details.

At the Vet's: Here's another reason to hate summer's mosquitoes - they carry heartworm to your pets! Dogs who get infected with heartworm usually get sick, and without treatment, they can die. Treatment success isn't guaranteed, and it's not cheap. The good news is heartworm can be prevented by administering monthly heartworm medications.

In the Heat: Plenty of shade and water can keep dogs cool on hot days. "Dogs don't sweat efficiently, so they can potentially overheat more easily than people." says veterinarian Gregg K. Takashima. Some dogs; just being dogs, will fetch until they drop. Look for signs of overheating, such as vomiting and excessive panting. If you think your pup is overheated, take him out of the sun, cool his pawpads with water and take him to the vet.

Without Fleas: Fleas and ticks are more pervasive than ever. Blame going to a warming trend that lets them survive longer in places where they usually would not. Fleas can hitch a ride on your shoes or on your pet. Laying up to 40 to 50 eggs daily, they can quickly invade your home and make your pet very uncomfortable. Thankfully, today's veterinary flea pills and products applied to the pet's skin really zap fleas, so the days of fitting flea collars and using toxic dips are over. If ticks occur where you live, your vet can suggest a product to deal with both fleas and ticks.

We hope these tips help make your summer more enjoyable with your pets.

Happy Flag Day!!!!

2011-06-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Flag Day is on June 14th every year, it is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation.....one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride!

Properly Display Our Flag

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag. The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying the American flag:

The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It's called "half staff" on land, and "half mast" on a ship.
When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field , or "union", is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
The union is always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
Never let your flag touch the ground, never...period.
Fold your flag when storing. Don't just stuff it in a drawer or box.
When your flag is old and has seen better days, it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see. Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony.

Famous Flag People:

Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country's first flag and the rest is history.

Francis Scott Key inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the British rockets whiz through the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you are a Vexillologist!

Wishing you the best,

Robert

$500, $1000, $2500, 3% Wind, 5% named storm, what is my true deductible?

2011-03-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

There seems to be more an more confusion about deductibles on home insurance. Different companies have put different thresholds for wind and hurricane deductibles in New York. Many homeowners have no idea of how much they would have to pay if they had damage in a severe windstorm, Nor'easter, or Hurricane.

Deductibles, what are they?

First let's start with what is a deductible. It is the amount of money that you would be responsible to pay before a claim is paid by your insurance. Most people have a $500 or $1000 deductible. If you have less than that, you are probably paying too much for your insurance. You can usually save $100 a year if you go from a $250 deductible to a $500. So if you have a claim, you pay the first $500 instead of $250, so you will save the difference if you go three years without a claim. In many cases, it doesn't save enough to go over a $1000 deductible on a home policy.

Wind & Hail Versus Named Storm

After Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, and Rita, many companies realized that they couldn't handle the volume of claims without greatly increasing the cost of home insurance policies. Many companies put a named Hurricane deductible in place. They all have different thresholds as to when they come in, so there could be large differences in the premiums.  The percentage can be from anywhere between 2% and 5%.

For example, Allstate Insurance Company and State Farm Insurance Company both have a 5% Named Storm, or Hurricane deductible.  The Allstate Deductible starts when there is a named storm with sustained winds of 100mph for a certain period of time. The State Farm deductible is for ANY Hurricane. You might be able to save $100 a year with the State Farm policy, but if a normal Hurricane does damage with winds of 75mph, you will have to pay 5% of the insured value versus your normal $500 Deductible.

Insured Value            State Farm Ded.                  Allstate Ded.

$300,000                      $15,000                                $500

Other companies have an even more stringent deductible and apply it to ALL Wind Storms. The percentages are usually less, 2-3%, but they are in effect for any storm, depending on the threshold on your policy. So in the example above, it could be a Nor'easter with 75mph winds, and the deductible would be $6,000 to $9,000, where the above companies would be the normal $500 deductibles. Some companies have the deductible with no threshold, so you are responsible for any wind claims below the deductible.

What do I do?

Unfortunately, unless you know how to read the details of your policy, you might not know what your deductible is until you have a claim. Some are clearly written, but others are buried in the endorsements section of your policy. Currently the Professional Insurance Agents Association, and the State Insurance Department are looking to standardize the deductibles, but you need to do something before Hurricane Season starts.

Fax, mail, or email me your policy, and I will help you determine what your deductible is, so you can be prepared. We work with companies with that have low Hurricane Deductibles with High Thresholds. They also have great rates. Happy Spring Everyone.

Flooding Awareness Week

2011-03-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

You can't turn on the news this week without hearing about all of the devastating flooding in our area. Westchester, the Bronx, New Jersey, and many other places are seeing the results of the heavy rains and melting snow from a record breaking winter. People who have lived in their homes for 30+ years are suffering flood damage for the first time.

Flood Awareness Week comes at a time when flood risks are heightened due to a number of contributing factors: spring snowmelt, ice jam, heavy rains or flash flooding. Flooding is always a major concern, especially in the spring. This is the time to review your risks and ask yourself why it is important to purchase flood insurance.

Why should I purchase flood insurance?

Floods are the most common natural disaster.
Most homeowners, condominium, manufactured home, renters and business insurance policies exclude losses due to flood.
Flooding is the most costly natural disaster in the U.S., causing nearly $24 billion of property damage over the last 10 years.
Just an inch of water can cause costly damage to your property.
A car can easily be carried away by just two feet of floodwater.
Your home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage.
Government assistance is sometimes available, but only if the disaster is declared a state or federal disaster, and the assistance is usually in the form of a loan.
A federal disaster loan of $50,000 will be paid back at $240 a month at four percent interest while the average flood insurance policy costs $500 a year.

What if my flood risk appears to be low?

Everyone lives in a flood zone - anywhere it rains, it can flood.
Flooding is not limited to coastal areas. Floods and flash floods happen in all 50 states.
Approximately 25 percent of all flooding events occur outside Standard Flood Hazard Areas.
If you live in a low-to-moderate risk area and are eligible for the Preferred Risk Policy, your flood insurance premium may be as low as $129 a year, including coverage for your property's contents.
Just because you haven't experienced a flood in the past, doesn't mean you won't in the future. Flood risk isn't just based on history, it's also based on a number of factors: rainfall, river-flow and tidal-surge data, topography, flood-control measures, and changes due to building and development.

What causes flooding?

Many conditions can result in a flood: hurricanes, broken levees, outdated or clogged drainage systems and rapid accumulation of rainfall.
New land development can also increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural run-off paths.
Floods often happen when bodies of water overflow or tides rise due to heavy rainfall or thawing snow. Flash floods may occur without warning when a large volume of water falls in a short time.

With everything going on with changing weather patterns, increased rain fall, and severe storms happening more often than in the past, now is the time to consider purchasing flood insurance. The increase in claims in the past two years has been eye openening, and having a claim that isn't covered is the last thing that you want to experience. Give us a call today, so we can get you a quote on flood insurance. Remember, it takes 30 days for a policy to start! 888-900-2173

Rain, ice, and snow = Excessive Roof Loads!

2011-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

Some people are welcoming the rain in hopes that it will melt all of this snow. The problem is that it could cause more damage to already overburden roofs! We have been flooded (no pun intended) with calls about water getting into the house from ice dams the past few weeks. I have been up on a laddder, cleaning my roof several times trying to get the snow off of one section of my roof that is backing up into my house. I had to call in a contractor to clean it up, because the leaking was getting worse.

Now the rain could help if it gets warm enough to melt the ice and snow. If it freezes, it could trap more melting ice and snow, which could find it's way into your home as it tries to find it's way off of your roof.
Following some simple precautions can help. You should inspect roofs for leaks or structural defects to ensure that gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of ice and debris. Likewise, you should clear snow and ice from exhaust vents leading from the home through the exterior walls as well as clear all snow from sidewalls to prevent excessive pressure on the walls from snow mounds. Also, decks should be cleared of snow as soon as possible.

Exercise caution at all times. Be cautious of falling snow and ice. Untrained individuals should not undertake clearing snow from roofs due to the dangers of falling from heights and those associated with falling tree limbs and electrical wires. Also, the roof could be covered with a sheet of ice, making it even more hazardous.

Give us a call if you are concerned about the potential damage you could have from the weight of ice and snow. Most home insurance policies will cover this type of claim, but not all are created equally. Now is not the time to hear the dreaded words "sorry, you're not covered for that!"

Consult with professionals. If you notice damage to your roof or walls from the weigh of snow and ice, temporarily shore up and brace the damaged area until professional help arrives. If you are concerned about your building's condition, contact a trained professional for an assessment of the condition.

Report damage to your home. Contact your broker or Kingstone Insurance Company immediately if you have suffered storm damage to your property.

February 1, 2011

We hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for being one of Kingstone Insurance Company's Select Producers!

Thomas G. Seccia, Jr., General Manager

845-340-8316 tseccia@kingstoneic.com

Flooding can happen in the winter too!

2011-01-21T11:29:00.000-08:00

Most people associate floods with the rivers in the Mid-West, and Hurricanes in the spring. Unfortanetly, floods an happen year round, and have many causes. First, you need to understand the definition of a flood in insurance terms.

In regular terms, flooding is any situation where water accumulates on the ground where it shouldn't be. Overflowing rivers, tidal surges, and heavy rains are the most popular examples. Melting snow can also cause flood damage to your home that would be excluded from your home insurance policy. If the snow on the roof causes water damage, it could be covered by your home insurance depending on your policy. But if it is on the ground, then flood insurance might be the only way to recoup your damages.

The heavy snows that we have had, followed by the warmer weather and rains will increase the chance of flooding. 3 inches of water in your home can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage that may not be covered by your home insurance. For less than $1 a day, you can get this valuable coverage in place. But act now, as there is a 30 day waiting period before the coverage starts!

More snow, beware of Ice Dams

2011-01-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

With these storms, I get many calls about water seeping through the walls or ceilings from melting snow. This is caused by ice dams. They generally appear after a heavy snowfall during an extended period of cold temperatures. Because ice dams occur on roofs buried in snow, few people actually see them, let alone understand their causes. The only time people think about them is when they occur, which is about the only time that almost nothing can be done.

What are Ice Dams?

Ice dams are literally dam-like buildups of ice on a roof. They normally occur at the edge of the roof but can occur higher up under certain circumstances.

The ice itself is not a problem. The problem is caused by melting snow can form a pool behind the dam. Most roofs are very effective at shedding water. Very few roofs, however, are designed to cope with pools of water. Water backs up behind the ice, seeping up under the shingles until it finds its way through the roof to the attic and living areas below.

While usually temporary in nature, the massive roof leaks the dams cause can wreak all kinds of havoc with wiring, drywall, paint, carpet, flooring and interior furnishings. Ice damming can also cause problems for your exterior siding and the wood and insulation behind it.

What Causes an Ice Dam?

Ice dams occur most often when we get heavy snow followed by below freezing temperatures, but they can occur with just an inch or two of snow. Some part of your roof warms up enough to melt the snow. The melt water flows down to another part of the roof that is cooler, and the water refreezes. The ice forms a small dam that builds up slowly as more melt water refreezes. Eventually, water backs up behind the dam and works its way up under the shingles until it begins to leak through the roof into the living space below.

There are four main causes of ice damming, and the latter three we can actually do something about.

Weather
Household heat escaping to the attic
Uneven roof temperatures
Roofing underlayment that water can penetrate

Preventing Ice Dams

Ice dam prevention is best achieved in three ways:

Attic insulation
Attic ventilation
Proper re-roofing

There are many sources of information on properly avoiding Ice Dams. Some insurance policies will cover the damage, but it is subject to the deductible. Give me a call if you would like some more information about how to prevent ice dams. 888-900-2173

STATE FIRE ISSUES SAFETY ALERT: SNOW INCREASES CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD

2010-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

With winter starting next week, the snow has been hitting the northern part of New York. Heavy snow fall has closed airports, roads, and has already caused millions in damage. The southern part of the state has been getting minimal snow, but icy roads have been causing accidents and traffic tie-ups.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today issued a Safety Alert advising homeowners and businesses throughout New York State that heavy snowfall and drifting snow may create a new hazard: carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, dangerous gas, commonly known as CO.

State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison said that with the recent onslaught of lake-effect snows in western, central and northern portions of New York State, local fire agencies have reported an increase in calls about carbon monoxide detectors going off in homes. Madison said that the reason for these calls is that high snow drifts may be blocking furnace vents and air intakes in some homes, particularly those that have newer high-efficiency furnaces.

“New, high efficiency furnaces vent out the side of a house rather than up through the roof,” Madison said. “This type of venting and air intake must be kept free and clear of snow. If it plugs up, the carbon monoxide would go back into the home. This is why the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control is issuing this warning.”

The State Fire Administrator said that some areas of New York State have received more than three feet of snow in the last week. Many newer high efficiency furnaces have an automatic device that shuts off the furnace when the vents are blocked, but not all of them. First responders say it is important to keep a three-foot area clear around the vent and intake tubes.

The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control advises all New Yorkers affected by the recent heavy snows to inspect the area around their furnace and hot water heater vents to ensure that snow and ice are not blocking the efficient and safe operation of these fuel burning devices. Homeowners should keep a three- foot area around the vents clear of snow, shrubs, or other potential obstructions.

If your CO alarm sounds, evacuate all family members to a safe location and call your local fire department, Madison said.

Additional information on carbon monoxide may be found at:

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/COtoolkit.htm

Winter Home Protection Tips

2010-12-14T11:00:00.000-08:00

All of that mild weather kind of spoiled us, but winter is hear. Well technically it isn't yet, but it sure does feel like winter out there. There are several things that you can do to minimize some of winter's biggest threats to your home.

Snow Fall
Heavy snow accumulation can pose a threat to your home or business -- both as it builds up and as it melts. The three most important things to do are:

Watch for snow accumulation on the leeward (downwind) side of a higher-level roof, where blowing snow will collect. For safe removal that won't endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor for a referral.
Remove snow from basement stairwells, window wells and all walls. Melting snow can lead to water damage and moisture intrusion.
Keep your attic well ventilated to maintain a temperature close to that of the outdoors to minimize the risk of ice dams forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where it's much cooler. If ice builds up and blocks water from draining, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.

Melting Snow and Ice

Water intrusion and flood damage from melting snow and ice can threaten homes and businesses, but you can take these steps to help minimize the potential damage.

Immediately after the threat of physical danger has passed:

Make sure the building is structurally safe to enter or reoccupy.
Turn off electrical power. Do not use electricity until it is safe to do so.
Ensure that natural gas sources are safely secured.
Secure the exterior to prevent further water intrusion. This can include boarding up broken windows, making temporary roof repairs, sealing cracks or tacking down plastic sheeting against open gaps in walls or roofs.

When it's safe to begin cleanup:

Disconnect all electronics/electrical equipment and move it to a safe, dry location.
Remove as much standing water as possible from inside the building.
Begin to remove water-damaged materials immediately.
Ventilate the home as best you can with fans and/or dehumidifiers.
Contact a water extraction company, if necessary, for assistance.

By taking immediate action, you will reduce the amount of damage and increase the chance of salvaging usable materials. You'll also reduce the amount of rust, rot, mold and mildew that may develop, and lower the likelihood that the water will lead to structural problems.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are an accumulation of ice at the lower edge of a sloped roof. When interior heat melts the snow, water can run down and refreeze at the roof's edge, where it's much cooler. If the ice builds up and blocks water from draining off the roof, water is forced under the roof covering and into your attic or down the inside walls of your house.

To help reduce the risk of ice dams:

Make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and debris.
Keep the attic well ventilated so snow doesn't melt and refreeze on the roof's edge.
Make sure the attic floor is well insulated to minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from within the house.

Frozen/Bursting Pipes
Bursting pipes occur when frozen water causes a pressure buildup between the ice blockage and the closed faucet. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold. To keep water in your pipes from freezing:

Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow heat transfer.
Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space.

If you suffer damage from some of these winter hazards, you might be covered under your home, condo, or renters insurance. To find out, you should contact your current company, or call us at 888-900-2173, and we can review your coverage for you. Taking the steps to prevent these hazards will not only save you money from having to pay for your deductible or parts of the claims that aren't covered. They will also save you money on your premiums for years to come.

Holiday Lighting Safety

2010-12-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

The holidays are here, and you might have already put up your lights. I started on Thanksgiving, and finished decorating the outside of the house this past weekend. Here are some saftey tips that are good to follow:

• Check lighting strands for broken bulbs, frayed wires, loose connection, or any other signs of wear or damage. Throw away any strands that give you cause for concern.

• Some safety experts recommend replacing light strands every four or five years to ensure that wear and improper storage don't create a hazard.

• Don't place cords under furniture or rugs. Use caution when using nails, tacks or pins to secure strands of lights; don't pierce the wire coverings with such items.

• Keep light strands away from sources of heat or moisture. Cover the tree's water basin to ensure that lights don't come into contact with it.

• Make sure strands of lights don't dangle or lay loosely where young children can grab a hold of them. It could result in the tree toppling over or present a strangulation hazard.

• Even low wattage bulbs can get hot enough to burn small, tender fingers. Keep them out of reach as much as possible.

• Make sure a fully operational smoke detector resides in close proximity to a tree that features holiday lights.

• When decorating outside, use only lights that are approved for outdoor use. Plug all outdoor lights into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) to avoid the risk of a serious shock.

Have a very Happy Holiday Season!!!

Home Fire Safety for the Holidays

2010-11-22T06:58:00.000-08:00

As the holidays approach, homeowners should take time to think about home fire safety. By taking simple measures, home fire safety precautions can prevent the devastation of a house fire. According to claims data from a major auto and home insurance company, reports of fire loss jump during the winter months. January alone accounted for 15 per cent of all fire losses reported in 2009. So make home fire safety a top priority.

Properly planned home fire safety can help prevent the majority of fire losses. This autumn, consider these home fire safety tips:

Home Fire Safety Step #1: Prepare

The first step in home fire safety is to be prepared! The best thing you can do to ensure safer winter months at home is to be proactive about your home's upcoming seasonal needs. A little time spent on home fire safety preparation will ensure that your family stays safe and comfortable this winter.

1. Inspect heaters every autumn to ensure they are in good working condition. If you have a gas heater, inspect the exhaust for carbon build up.

2. Have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year if you have a woodstove or use your fireplace. This is an essential part of home fire safety, because creosote buildup can cause a chimney fire.

3. Install smoke detectors on all floors of your home. Take the time to sit down with your family and prepare a fire plan. It should detail escape routes and include a designated meeting place. This is an indispensable part of home fire safety preparedness. If you already have smoke detectors, then make sure that you change the batteries every six months.

Home Fire Safety Step #2: Prevent

An essential part of home fire protection is prevention! As you prepare for cooler weather and holiday festivities, make home fire safety part of your yearly routine.

1. Avoid overloading your outlets by using power bars for several small appliances. If you have a gas stove in your kitchen, keep rags, paper or anything that can catch on fire, away from open flames. This is an essential part of home fire safety, because many house fires are due to electrical fires and cooking accidents.

2. Inspect your home for frayed or damaged electrical cords and plugs, as well as fuses that regularly blow. Consider hiring a licensed electrician to inspect your home's electrical system to make sure everything is working properly.

3. Home fire safety is especially vital during the holidays. Christmas tree lights and electrical ornaments should be in working order with no wires showing or fraying. A pine tree that catches on fire can set an entire room ablaze in less than a minute.

4. Careless disposal of fireplace ashes can be a serious threat to any home. Ashes need four days to completely cool. Keep them in a can away from combustible materials until completely cool and then discard them.

Home Fire Safety Step #3: Insure

In addition to taking home fire safety precautions, another way to keep your family safe during the winter season is with high quality home insurance.

Make sure that you know who is insuring your home, and if you have any gaps in coverage. I am working with a client who recently had a fire, and they are delighted to know that they have the right coverage when the need it. You want to make sure that you are with a company who will work with you through the claims process, not against you. You also need a trusted licensed insurance professional to make sure that you have the right level of protection in case you need it.

It's time to "Fall Back"

2010-11-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

You’ve likely heard the saying, “spring forward, fall behind,” as an easy way to remember how to set your clocks when daylight saving time begins and ends. In the spring, we move our clocks ahead one hour and “lose” an hour during the night. In the fall, we move our clocks back one hour to “gain” more time.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 at 2 a.m. local time, daylight saving time ends in the U.S. Remember to set your clock one hour earlier, and enjoy the extra hour in your day.

The change to daylight saving time allows us to use less energy in lighting our homes and businesses by taking advantage of the longer and later daylight hours. It began in the U.S. during World War I as a way to save energy for war production. During World War II, the government again required states to use daylight saving time. After the war, it was up to each individual community to choose whether or not it would observe daylight saving time until 1966, when Congress passed the Uniform Time Act, which standardized the length of daylight saving time.

In 2005, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act which extended daylight saving time by four weeks, with the hope of saving 10,000 barrels of oil per day by reducing the use of power during daylight hours.

It is also a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detector. This should be done every six months, so the change in time is a good time to change your batteries. Have a safe and happy fall.

Construction Industry Fair Play Act creates presumption of employment

2010-10-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

As if the Lead Liability Issue hasn't been enough of a challenge for contractors to deal with, now the NY State has a new law changing the rules on Workers Compensation Coverage. Effective Oct. 26, 2010, there's a major shift in the way New York state officially views workers in the construction trades, due to enactment of “The New York State Construction Industry Fair Play Act.” The law makes it extremely hard to qualify construction workers as independent contractors.

Because the law defines “construction” so broadly (see below), activities other than “new” construction are affected. Also, the new law makes it clear that someone cannot qualify as an independent contractor merely by maintaining a workers' compensation policy, as some may have assumed in the past.

Presumption-of-employment established. This new law (S.5847-F) creates a strong legal presumption that construction workers are employees. This represents quite a paradigm shift in an industry where a large portion of workers traditionally have been treated as independent contractors.

The “presumption” of employment can be overcome, so these workers can be classified as independent contractors—but only if they meet certain very specific criteria. To be treated as independent contractors, they must qualify as a separate business entity (as defined), plus meet certain tests showing true independence from the contractor that hires them.

Willful misclassification of construction workers carries stiff new penalties—and a greater chance of being detected and penalized, due to heightened information sharing among state agencies.

Summary of legal tests. The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) has boiled down the law's somewhat complicated tests into a simpler, more understandable three-part formula. The DOL's explanation for construction workers is a good place to start, in understanding the ramifications of the new law:

“The law says that you are an employee unless:

• you are free from direction and control in performing your job; AND

• you perform work that is not part of the usual work done by the business that hired you; AND

• you have an independently established business.

Your employer cannot consider you to be an independent contractor unless all three of these facts apply to your work.

IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR AN EMPLOYER TO MISCLASSIFY EMPLOYEES AS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS OR PAY EMPLOYEES OFF THE BOOKS.”

Notice requirement. As of the law's effective date (Oct. 26, 2010), contractors are required to post information on its provisions at job sites. The DOL, as required by law, has developed a poster that will fulfill this requirement, as well as a fact sheet. The DOL poster and related information can be viewed here: http://www.labor.ny.gov/sites/legal/laws/construction-industry-fair-play-act.page.

How the law works. First, the law adds some new definitions:

“Construction” is defined very broadly to embrace not just new construction but also repairs, demolition, excavation, etc.

“Contractor ” means any legal entity engaged in construction in New York, including both general contractors and subcontractors. (The law is designed so that independent contractors who qualify as separate business entities automatically are considered “contractors” in their own right. Thus, in turn, these individuals become subject to the law's requirements with respect to any workers they may hire.)

“Employee” (as defined in Workers' Compensation Law) is amended to include any individual performing services in construction for a contractor who does not overcome the presumption of employment.

Here's the “presumption” part: “Any person performing services for a contractor shall be classified as an employee unless the person is a separate business entity OR all of the following criteria are met, in which case the person shall be an independent contractor” [emphasis added]. In other words, the “person” here can be either a natural person or a business entity; and in each case the law applies certain tests before it will consider them an independent contractor.

Test for independent contractors. To be considered an independent contractor, an individual performing services for a contractor, must:

• be free from control and direction in performing the job, both under contract terms and in fact;

• perform services outside the usual course of business of the contractor for which the service is performed; AND

• have an independently established business.

Test of independently established business. To be considered a “separate business entity” from the contractor for which services are performed, the business must meet ALL of the following (for exact language, consult the text of the law):

• be free from direction or control (except as to the desired result);

• not be subject to dissolution upon severance of its relationship with the contractor;

• have a substantial capital investment in the business, beyond ordinary tools, equipment and a personal vehicle;

• own the capital goods, gain the profits and bear the losses;

• make services available to the general public or business community on a continuing basis;

• file federal taxes as an independent business or profession;

• perform services for the contractor under the business entity's name;

• furnish the tools needed to perform the job;

• obtain and pay for any licenses or permits in the business entity's name;

• if necessary, hire its own employees without contractor approval, pay them without reimbursement from the contractor and report its employees' income to the IRS;

• not be represented to others by the contractor as an employee; AND

• have the right to perform similar services for others on whatever basis, and whenever it chooses.

Enforcement. The bill imposes stiff penalties for failing to classify construction workers properly, which extend to certain individuals who are corporate officers or shareholders. Mandatory information sharing among the Workers' Compensation Board, the Labor Department and the Department of Taxation and Finance make it more likely that a contractor coming to the attention of one state agency will be scrutinized by the others. Workers who question their status or become whistleblowers are protected from reprisals.

For more information about how this law may impact your business, give us a call at 516-799-6900.

It's getting cold, time to turn on the Heat!

2010-10-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Had to break down and turn on the heat last night. I enjoy the colder weather, but the family was complaining that it was too cold. It's a good thing that I had the furnace serviced a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, many people let their service go because they need to save some money, but that can lead to a major hazard, the oil burner puff back!

What You Need to Know

A puff back can be caused by a malfunction of the combustion chamber inside the oil burner. Explosions can be caused by the oil vapors which build up inside the oil burnerThis may seem like a harmful and frightening situation. However, if the fumes made by the malfunctioned gas burners revert back to the vents and air ducts in your home, it can cause damage to the home and will lead to poor indoor air quality and can heavily affect the air circulation as well.

Anything that comes into contact with the fumes will be covered in petroleum based particles and soot when that malfunction happens. There is a misconception that puff backs basically mean that dust is being blown back. However, the proper definition is that it is a release of oil-based particles that can do much more damage compared to dust.

When it comes to puff backs, there are primarily two ways they can spread: either they spread rapidly or they can spread gradually. Often times, puff backs appear as dark circles on your ceilings, walls and furniture. This makes it hard to notice there is actually an on-going problem happening. You might even think that they are just dirty finger prints. It may seem like only dirt or dust but when you try removing it you will realize that it is actually oil-based and cannot be removed easily.

On the other hand, there are also times when puff backs are extremely rapid. In just a short span of time, this may cause severe damage to your property and your house as well. When this happens, you will notice that everything will start to get covered by soot and you should take the necessary precautions since a potential explosion can occur.

How to Handle Puff Back Situations

Keep in mind that you need to act quickly so that you can minimize the damage if you notice any sort of puff back. When it comes to restorations in terms of what has been damaged by puff back residue and soot, the best thing to do is to hire a restoration service professional. However, if you don’t have the means to hire a professional restoration service, there are still a few ways you can handle the situation yourself. Always remember to wear a protective mask and the right disposable clothing so you can prevent direct contact with the toxic soot.

Checking the furnace and the oil burner is the very first thing you should inspect. Testing should be your priority since this may very well be the primary source of the problem. It is highly recommended that you seek the help of a professional technician. Eliminating the source of the problem before treating its effects should be one of the first things you should do. The malfunctioning oil burner is the main source of the problem.

If you have a gas leak inside your house, it can lead to higher levels of carbon dioxide that can be extremely hazardous to your family’s health. This situation may also be considered as a puff back. The carbon dioxide levels must be tested if you are experiencing dizziness or nausea when you are inside your house.

Installing carbon dioxide monitors is advisable so that the carbon dioxide levels can be tested frequently. When you notice carbon dioxide levels increasing slowly, this is a clear indicator of a gradual puff back and this need to be addressed until it worsens. Make sure you take the initiative and inspect if there are any problems with your oil burners or if there are any gas leaks when you start seeing that the levels of carbon dioxide in your house are rising.

Puff Back Restoration Services

Professional puff back restorations offer various services, including specialized vacuuming services. Since ordinary vacuums cannot clean puff backs, professional services use a heavy duty vacuum to remove the soot from the surface and store it instead of allowing it blow out into the air. Another service would be structural cleaning, which restores your house to its original state if the whole house or parts of it is affected by puff backs. The extreme options would be demolition or a complete shut down if the majority of the property is affected.

Upholstered furniture and carpets are prone to soot since it is an oil-based material. Hence, this will make it difficult to remove on your carpets and upholstered furniture. Restoration services should be able to remove the soot using their specialized methods. Moreover, since a smoky odor may be emitted by puff backs as well, puff back restoration services apply odor removal processes to eliminate the odor from the affected areas. If a puff back adheres to your clothes, the best thing to do would be to ask restoration services to wash and dry clean them so they can be restored to their original state. Even if you think you can wash the clothes on your own, you may not have the cleaning agents and the necessary appliances to clean the clothes well.

Preventive Tips on How to Deal with Puff Backs

When it comes to puff backs, the best thing to do is to implement preventive measures. To be able to make sure that you won’t fall victim to puff backs, it is highly advisable to make routine checks on your oil burners and furnace. Acting immediately by getting in touch with a restoration service as soon as possible to minimize the extent of the damage is another important thing to do if you find yourself in a dire puff back situation.

Some home insurance policies protect you from the puff backs, so the cost of the cleanup should be covered. But it is better to avoid the situation by taking the time to have a routine check of your heating system every year. Call us now to see if you have this valuable coverage.

More Rain, water damage and flooded basements

2010-10-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

We had a break on Wednesday, but the rain is really coming down today. We have been getting many calls about water damage and basements being flooded. The questions always come out as to what to do, so here are some helpful hints as to what is covered and what is not:

Water Damage: Most home policies will cover from water damage, except from a flood. So if you have water in the basement that is seeping in, this is normally excluded. If you have a roof leak, you need to determine where the leak is coming from.

We had some pretty powerful winds last night, so you might be missing shingles. If that is the case, then the shingles and water damage should be covered. If there is evidence that there has been a leak for a long period of time, then it wouldn't be covered.

Home insurance covers an event. This is know as "Sudden and Accidental" damage. If you have mold or rot, then the damage has been there over a long period of time, which is caused by maintenance. So if your roof is old and leaky, the new water damage should be covered, but not the roof.

Basement Flooding: The amount of rain we are having is causing the ground to be so saturated, that the water is looking for a place to go. Basements are usually the first place to have a problem. Some people have French Drains or Sump Pumps because this is common in their area. If you have water back up coverage, and the drain or sump pump gets backed up, the damage would be covered.

If you have Flood Insurance, damage to your home and mechanical equipment in the basement would be covered by ground water. Contents aren't covered, so furniture and personal belongings won't be covered. Just the walls, electrical outlets and wires, washer, dryer, refrigerator, a/c, heating, and other permanent part of the house would be covered by flood.

What to do: The first thing to do if you have water damage is to stop further damage. Get someone to patch the roof, or get a pump to get the water out of the basement. Then you need to get someone to clean up the damage. Mold can be a problem, so you need to minimize it. There are companies that specialize in water damage cleanups out there. Many insurance companies will send one out just to stop further damage.

If the damage is minimal, you might not want to file a claim. Home insurance rates in New York have been climbing because of all of the recent storms that we have had over the past two years. On Long Island, it is getting tougher to get coverage, especially on the South Shore. Fortunately, I have several companies who have great rates to help. If you have any questions, give us a call. 888-900-2173

No Hurricanes, but a Tornado?

2010-09-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the peak of Hurricane Season, and we get hit with a nasty wind and hail storm, and possibly a tornado! If this doesn't make you question if you have the right coverage on your home insurance, then nothing will.

Most home policies have some kind of wind or hurricane deductible today. Usually there is some kind of a starting point, such as a specific wind speed, or a certain level of a hurricane. The wind and hurricane deductibles will mean that you have a separate deductible for wind damage. So if you have a fire, which is a lower probability, you will have a $500 or $1000 deductible for example. But if there is wind damage, it could be $1000, or a percentage of the insured value of your home.

So if your house is insured for $200,000, and you have a 5% deductible, you will pay for the first $10,000 of damage before your insurance company pays to fix your home. That is a lot of money! It is important to know what you have before you need it. If your company or broker haven't told you, you need a new company.

Why are companies doing this? Because the "reinsurance" that they used to buy either isn't available, or has these types of clauses in their policies. That's right, most insurance companies buy insurance themselves. They make most of their money on the "reserves" that they invest, but can't keep enough aside to cover a major catastrophe.

Homes cost a lot more to repair, and in NY, the population is so dense, that most companies can't handle the potential payout of a major storm. One major company just took a 30% increase in rates because of the possibility of a major storm hitting, and them having to pay out on wind damage. Others have restricted where they will write business. They are all relying on some kind of a deductible to help spread their risk.

What can you do? Call me, or fax me a copy of your policy. I will decipher the insurance language to tell you what you have. Many companies want you to deal directly with them because they know that you won't be able to understand or read the fine print. So they cut their rates, and leave you high and dry when you have a claim.

So act now before the next storm hits, and you have to decipher what is covered, and how much you are out of pocket on a claim! 888-900-2173

Earl has passed, but Peak Hurricane Season is Here!

2010-09-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

Recent heavy rains across the United States serve as another reminder that NOW is the time to protect your family, home and/or business with flood insurance. Late summer and early fall marks the beginning of peak hurricane season - the most active time of the year for hurricanes and tropical storms - and you need to be prepared should a storm hit your community in the upcoming months. Most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover flood damage and once purchased, there is typically a 30-day waiting period for a flood insurance policy to become effective.
The Risk is Real

Hurricanes and tropical storms bring drenching rains and high winds that can cause significant damage to a home or business and its contents. The largest amounts of rainfall from hurricanes are often produced by slow moving storms that move inland. Some of the worst damage from recent hurricanes has occurred hundreds or thousands of miles from the coast - as far north as New York in the case of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and through much of the Midwest and into Pennsylvania because of Hurricane Ike in 2008.

Earl passed by with a lot of publicity, but no punch. However, all it would take was a change in course of a few miles to the West, and it would have been a different story. We are way overdue for a major storm to hit, and all it would take is a tropical storm to cause local flooding. Look at Riverhead, NY earlier this year. Those people still aren't back in their homes, and are waiting for the government to bail them out! (Pun intended)

Costly Consequences

Eight of the top ten most expensive federally-declared disasters have been caused by hurricanes. Just inches of water can cause tens of thousands of dollars of damage and last year, the average individual flood insurance claim was nearly $28,000. Without flood insurance protection, many property owners may have to absorb the financial losses on their own, potentially draining their savings.

Protect Your Home or Business Now!

You need to get covered before a storm could impact your community and home. Flood insurance has a 30 day waiting period, and is more affordable than you may think. The average flood insurance policy is around $579 a year and in moderate-to-low-risk areas, Preferred Risk Policies start as low as $119 a year (that's equal to $10 a month or 33 cents a day

Call now to see how you can get this valuable coverage - 888-900-2173

Your homeowners policy and storm damage-what's covered?

2010-09-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a little Q&A about home insurance and storm damage in general. These are the types of questions that we get, so I figured that I would answer them here.

Q. Generally, how does my homeowners policy respond to storm damage to my property?

A. Your homeowners policy covers most losses that may occur to your dwelling and personal property. Commonly, losses resulting from theft, fire, wind, vehicles and vandalism are covered.

Q. What if there is damage because of a storm?

A. A standard homeowners policy covers storm damage to the dwelling, its contents and other structures such as garages and fences, up to the policy limit. Such damage also acts as a trigger for coverage of other consequential losses and expenses including removal of debris and loss of use.

Q. What if my family and I cannot live in our home because of the damage?

A. When storm damages make it necessary to leave your home temporarily, your home-owners policy covers the additional costs necessary to maintain your normal standard of living for such things as meals, lodging, laundry, transportation, entertainment, etc. You will need to present receipts for all of your expenses to be reimbursed.

Q. What clean-up expenses can I expect to recover following a storm?

A. Your homeowners policy will cover costs for removal of debris when covered property is damaged. This includes the removal of trees that fall on covered structures, but this coverage for trees usually is limited to $1,000 for a single storm.

Q. Am I covered for protecting my property from damage?

A. Your policy obligates you to protect your property from further damage following a loss as a condition to payment of your claim. You can expect your policy to pay for such expenses to board windows and make emergency repairs. Also, property removed from your home to protect it from an impending storm receives more comprehensive coverage than what is provided at your home—for a limited period of time, it covers flood, earthquake and any direct damage to your dislocated property without exclusions. However, the expenses to remove the property from harm’s way is not a covered expense.

Q. What damages are not covered by my homeowners policy?

A. Trees, shrubs and gardens damaged or destroyed by the storm are not covered. The spoilage of food due to an inoperative refrigerator or freezer resulting from a utility line power outage is not covered by many policies, unless the appliances are inoperative because the damage to power lines or other utility equipment occurred on your property; for example, lightning damage to your circuit box or a tree falling on power lines connected to your home.

* It is important to note that unless it has been added to your policy, there is no coverage for any damage that is a direct result of flood, surface water or water that backs up through sewers or drains that is caused by an act of nature (a storm).

Q. How can I find out what is covered in my specific circumstances?

A. The information provided here includes general guidelines for storm damage coverage. You should contact our agency for definite answers and further advice.

What to do with Earl heading our way?

2010-09-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

It looks like the worst of Earl will stay to the East of Long Island. If the storm takes a turn towards us, or for those of you on the East End, and in Connecticut, this is what you should do during a Hurricane

Listen to the radio or TV for information.
Secure your home, close storm shutters, and secure outdoor objects or bring them indoors.
Turn off utilities if instructed to do so. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
Turn off propane tanks.· Avoid using the phone, except for serious emergencies.
Moor your boat if time permits.
Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.

You should evacuate under the following conditions:

If you are directed by local authorities to do so. Be sure to follow their instructions.
If you live in a mobile home or temporary structure—such shelters are particularly hazardous during hurricanes no matter how well fastened to the ground.
If you live in a high-rise building—hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
If you live on the coast, on a floodplain, near a river, or on an inland waterway.
If you feel you are in danger.

If you are unable to evacuate, go to your safe room. If you do not have one, follow these guidelines:

Stay indoors during the hurricane and away from windows and glass doors.
Close all interior doors—secure and brace external doors.
Keep curtains and blinds closed. Do not be fooled if there is a lull; it could be the eye of the storm - winds will pick up again.
Take refuge in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.

Good Luck, and let's hope that Earl stays out to sea, and we can have a nice Labor Day weekend to end the summer.

Hurricane Earl Heads towards New York

2010-09-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

The last thing anybody wants it to have the Labor Day Weekend washed out. But the potential of Hurricane Earl hitting us hear in New York is real. It is important to make sure that if we do get hit, even just by the outer bands, that you are ready. Putting together an emergency kit is a good idea. You don't have to go out and buy one, you can make one yourself. Here are some things that you should get according to Ready.gov:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

Prescription medications and glasses
Infant formula and diapers
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Cash or traveler's checks and change
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container. You can use the EFFAK Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - PDF, 277Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information
Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from http://www.ready.gov/
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Fire Extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Hopefully Earl will go back out to sea, but it is a good idea to put this together, and keep it for future use.

Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/

Safety Tips for Preventing Auto Accidents

2010-08-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Got home from practice last night, and settled in to watch Cougar Town. Yes, I'm hooked on it, it's really a funny show. Well the characters started talking about texting while driving, and how Oprah was now highlighting the dangers. It must have been a rerun, since she did that months ago. Well, Jules, the character that Courtney Cox plays, was joking around, talking on her cell, putting on makeup, and then pointing at other drivers. The next thing you know, she is driving through a fence, and into a pool. Funny on TV, but in reality, it is dangerous.

The Insurance Information Institute today released some disturbing statistics about "Distracted Driving." Driver distractions or inattentive driving play a part in one out of every four motor vehicle crashes. That is more than 1.5 million collisions a year and 4,300 crashes daily, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Text messaging, changing radio stations, even turning around to talk to passengers can prove deadly, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

Cellphones and text messaging are the biggest cause of most accidents, drivers are also distracted by using PDAs, laptops and navigational aids while driving. Other drivers are distracted when they eat, drink, read, write or groom themselves when their full attention should be on the road in front of them. All of these can lead to a accident.

So, what do you do? Obviously, if you need to talk on the phone, hands free is the only way to do it. You will still be distracted while talking, so that isn't even recommended. Texting, reading, and using of other electronics will take your eyes off the road. Think about closing your eyes while driving for 5 seconds. I bet you wouldn't try it, but it is the equivalent to reading text or email on a PDA.

The I.I.I. recommends the following safety tips when driving:

-Pull Off the Road
-Don’t drive while calling or texting; pull off the road to a safe location.

-Use Speed Dialing

-Program frequently called numbers and your local emergency number into the speed dial feature of your phone for easy, one-touch dialing. when available, use auto answer or voice-activated dialing.

-Never Dial While Driving

-If you must dial manually, do so only when stopped. Pull off the road, or better yet, have a passenger dial for you.

-Take a Message

-Let your voice mail pick up your calls in tricky driving situations. It's easy—and safer—to retrieve your messages later on.

-Know When to Stop Talking

-Keep conversations on the phone and in the car brief so you can concentrate on your driving. if a long discussion is required, if the topic is stressful or emotional, or if driving becomes hazardous, end your conversation and continue it once you are off the road.

-Keep the Phone in Its Holder

-Make sure your phone is securely in its holder when you are not using it so it does not pop out and distract you when you are driving.

-Don't Take Notes While Driving

-If you need to write something down, use a tape recorder or pull off the road.

-Don't Eat or Drink While Driving

-Spills, both hot and cold, can easily cause an accident. If you have to stop short, you could also be severely burned.

-Groom Yourself At Home

-Shaving, putting on makeup, combing your hair or other forms of preening are distractions and should be done at home, not while driving.

Make sure that you share these tips with Teens. They are less experienced in driving, and are also more likely to use these devices. I know, you are busy, and need to multi-task. But having your day interrupted by an accident will be a lot worse than taking a few minutes to pull off the road and take care of business.

For more information, call us at 888-900-2173.

Another wicked storm hits NY

2010-07-23T12:33:00.000-07:00

I took the day off to do some fishing with my cousin, and was wondering why all of those LIPA and Verizon trucks were heading to the Hamptons. The storm that we were hit with Wednesday night turned out to be a fierce one. I was in Hyde Park when it past through, and they put out a Tornado warning. Well we lost power up there during the down pour, and the wind was whipping, but it didn't seem to be that bad.

Well when I got to Montauk, the Captain was frantic. A tornado did touch down in Montauk, and ripped roofs off of several houses. Of course, I came in today to the massive claims. But hey, that is why I do this. I'm here for when people have an unexpected event that would otherwise ruin them if they didn't have the right protection.

Now I say protection instead of insurance for a reason. You need to make sure that you are properly protected for when you need it. Several people that had bought an insurance policy, weren't "protected" from the damage from the tornado. Was it because it was an "Act of God?" No. "Act's of God" are usually covered, except for floods.

It was because they didn't know that they had a wind deductible. What is a wind deductible? Well if you have a claim, you decide how much you will pay out of pocket to share the cost of the claim. Some people carry lower deductibles and pay more for there insurance. It is a great way to lower your monthly costs.

But many policies now have "Wind" or "Hurricane" deductibles. These are the things that you need a true Licensed insurance professional help you determine. Many 800 numbers will sell you one of these policies and never tell you about them. The last thing you need to find out is that you have a higher deductible for specific events.

So, what is a Wind or Hurricane deductible? Wind deductibles are usually a percentage of the coverage, or a higher set dollar amount than the all other perils deductible. They sometimes have thresholds, like wind speeds, before they kick in. So if there is a storm with 75 MPH winds, and you have a house insured for $200,000, you might have a 2% deductible, which means you are out of pockect $4,000 instead of the $500 that you would pay for a fire or other loss.

Hurricane deductibles kick in at 5% to 8% and some are for any hurricane. So if the storm has winds of 75 MPH, but it is a winter storm, you would pay either your wind or other perils deductible. But once it has a name, like Bonnie, and the winds are 75 MPH, you are now out of pocket $10,000 to $16,000 for that same house.

My job is to tell you about these differences. Many of our competitors have the attitude that it will never happen, so they don't warn you. So take the time to send me your policy, and I will do their job for them. I don't want you to have no roof, and no way to pay for it even if you aren't a client of mine. I will take the opportunity to get you a proposal for alternatives at the same time. Call me now before the next big storm hits New York.

Why was an accident my fault, when I wasn't at fault?

2010-07-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

In New York, back in 1975, a law was passed called the Comparative Negligence law. It established how insurance companies were to settle accident claims based on who is at fault, and to determine the percentage at fault. The problem is that logic is thrown out the window. Basically, you are always partially at fault except in a few instances:

1. You are hit while parked
2. You are hit from behind
3. There are witnesses to say that you weren't at fault

Now the witnesses can't be somebody in your car. I have seen where the insurance companies accepted a neighbor or friend, even though there was an obvious conflict of interest.

So how to you make sure that you can keep your rates low, after you have an accident. The first thing to look for is Accident Forgiveness. Many companies offer some version of it, so review your policy to see how "Forgiving" it really is.

The next step is to avoid an accident. Drive defensively, as if everyone else doesn't know how to drive, and anticipate what they will do wrong. Just because you have a green light, don't assume that the other car coming up to the red light will stop. This is one of those situations where you can be 50% at fault because no one stepped up to be a witness.

If you know that you are about to get into an accident, don't tense up. That is how you get hurt. The people who don't know an accident is coming usually don't get injured. Doesn't help with rates, but it is a good tip.

After an accident, try to get the police there. Don't expect them to help much, but they won't take a report that will help you if they aren't on the scene. Most police reports just say vehicle 1 and vehicle 2 were in an accident. But they will sometimes state driver inattention, wrongful turn, etc. which the insurance companies will use to determine who is at fault.

A few things to know about who is the majority at fault:

1. The person making the turn is usually 80% at fault. So even if you have green arrow, and get hit by someone blowing a stop sign or red light, unless you have a witness, it is your fault.

2. The person pulling out of a parking spot or driveway is usually 80% at fault. Not seeing the other car isn't an excuse, even if they are speeding.

3. If you hit a pedestrian, you are at fault.

There are many other situations that can arise, but these are the ones that I see the most. There are strategies that you can use to determine who you should hit, but way too complicated to put here. Hope this helps, if you have any questions, give me a call. 888-900-2173.

What is No-Fault Anyway?

2010-07-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times that I speak to people, and they say that their accident is a "No-fault" accident. Unfortunately, in New York, there is practically no such thing. Every accident is considered to be partially your fault. But that is another topic.

The no-fault law was established in 1974 to provide injured parties in an accident with sufficient medical treatment and income replacement without having to go through a lawsuit. Prior to no-fault, on 14% of liabilty claims reimbursed accident victims for their economic loss, and it took almost 16 months for people to collect the money.

No-fault provides what is know as Personal Injury Protection (PIP)Benefits. These are different from the injury lawsuits that you see the commercials on TV. Those claims are part of the liability protection that you carry on your auto insurance policy. PIP benefits provide "Basic Economic Loss" benefits for eligible injured parties. They cover medical expenses, income loss, other expenses incurred (e.g. housekeeping, transportation, etc.,) and a death benefit.

Because of this, your health insurance is secondary to your car insurance if you are injured in a car accident. You are also limited in suing somebody for these coverages. That is why it is important to make sure that if you are shopping for insurance, you compare ALL of the coverages that provide YOU and YOUR FAMILY protection.

Most direct companies will cut corners on these valuable coverages for several reasons. One is to claim that they can save you 15% or more in 15 minutes. They know that most consumers are only looking at the liability limits and deductibles. Another reason is to cut costs. Medical costs are rising at more than double the rates of inflation. A third reason is fraud. No-fault fraud has it's own industry in New York, and this industry knows the loopholes in the law.

So make sure you review your policy to make sure you have enough coverage if you were injured in an accident. Can you live on $2000 a month if you couldn't work? Would $50,000 be enough to cover your medical bills if you were taken to the emergency room in an ambulance.

Call me to review your policy to make sure that you have the right coverage. 888-900-2173

Flood Insurance Reauthorized! For now...

2010-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Congress finally got around to reauthorized the FEMA Flood insurance program known as the NFIP. This program is one of the only ways that homeowners can acquire flood insurance for homes in coastal areas, river flood plains, and other higher risk zones. Unfortunately it is only reauthorized until September, so you need to act now to get this protection in place for Hurricane Season.

Many homeowner's feel that they don't need this valuable coverage. Many assume that their home insurance will protect them, or that they don't live on the Mississippi, or by a bay or ocean, so they are safe. The problem with that thinking is that most flood claims happen in the lowest risk areas.

Floods are one of the most common hazards in the United States. Flood damage can be local, impacting a neighborhood or community, or very large, affecting entire river basins and multiple states. This past Spring, one street in Riverhead was damaged, and several homes in Smithtown have been determined to be unlivable.

All floods are not alike. Some floods develop slowly, sometimes over a period of days. But flash floods can develop quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes and without any visible signs of rain. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of roaring water that carries rocks, mud, and other debris and can sweep away most things in its path. Overland flooding occurs outside a defined river or stream, such as when a levee is breached, but still can be destructive. Flooding can also occur when a dam breaks, producing effects similar to flash floods.

Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, creeks, culverts, dry streambeds, or low-lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard.

On Long Island, we are seeing more homes damaged in areas where the water table is rising. The rain accumulates, and then gets into the home, causing thousands of dollars of damage. People who have lived in their homes for 50 years are suffering flood damage for the first time.

If you are in a low risk zone, the coverage is less than $1 a day. But it takes 30 days to take effect, so you can't wait until the next big storm to take out a policy. Give us a call, and we can work up some scenarios for how you can protect your home.

For more information, check out the release from FEMA:

Car Seat Safety

2010-06-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

Last week was the end of the school year, and with that comes summer play dates. One of the mom's offered to pick up my daughter for an end of year party at her house. I asked if she needed my booster seat or if she had enough. I was shocked when she told me that her 6 year old, 40 pound daughter doesn't use one.

I will chalk it up to the fact that there is no real publicity out there about booster seats for older children. There is a law in NY that regulates child seatbelt, car seat, and safety restraints.

"Every child under age 16 in the vehicle must use a safety restraint. If under age four, he or she must be properly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat that is attached to a vehicle by a safety belt or universal child restraint anchorage (LATCH) system. A child under age four who weighs more than 40 pounds may be restrained in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. A child of age 4, 5, 6 or 7, must use a booster seat with lap and shoulder belt or a child safety seat (The child and safety restraint system must meet the height and weight recommendations of the restraint manufacturer.)"

If you don't follow the law, you can pay a pretty hefty fine. But more importantly, this is for the safety of your child. Anyone under 100 lbs. can be injured by seatbelts and airbags, so extra care needs to be taken with children. Even if you are a "Good Driver," I have seen many accidents where the only thing the driver did wrong was to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

So please, take the time to use a car seat, booster seat, and the proper seat belt. And make sure that you follow the directions to install them properly.

Saving Money on Auto Insurance

2010-06-17T12:12:00.001-07:00

Hello out there. It has been a long time since I posted. Here is a quick update on saving money on auto insurance. First, make sure you are getting all of your discounts. Here are some to check:

Safe Driver - no tickets or accidents in 3 or 5 years
Home Owner - Own a home, you can pay less
Reduced Mileage - drive less than 7500 miles a year, let us know
Defensive Driving discount - take the online class and save 10%
Pay In Full- save up to 10% if you pay in full
EZ Pay - go on the automated payment plan, and don't worry about missing a payment
Good Payer - pay your premium on time, and save money

These are only a few, so call us for more savings!

Saving Money in these crazy times

2008-10-09T08:01:00.000-07:00

With the ups and downs of the market, and all that is going on, saving money is very important. But equally important is the financial stability of your insurance company. So if you are looking to save money, you might be looking to save money by switching companies that offer a better price.

Before you make the jump, call your current company if you have a good relationship with them. There are many discounts that you might be entitled to that are out there, so make sure that you update your information. We reach out to our clients regularly, and try to make sure that they are getting them. But with life being busy, they don't always get back to me.

Some discounts to look for on your car insurance are: Good driver, driving less than 7,500 miles a year, Good Student, Prepay, EZ-Pay, Defensive Driver, Retired, Multiple Policy, and many more. So make sure that if you have anything changing in your life, update your file with your carrier.

And the financial stability of the carriers are more important now than ever. There are some major companies that are in serious trouble out there. What that will mean to you is future rate increases are coming. So make sure that your carrier is on stable ground. If you have any questions about that, then give me a call.

Rob

Is Your Home Business Covered?

2008-05-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Home based businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of the commercial market, but as a home-business owner you may not realize that your Homeowners insurance may not adequately cover you in case of an emergency.

If you are running a business out of your home you have unique needs. If you’re already working out of your home or if you’re thinking about starting a home-based business here are some questions to ask your agent:

• Ask what the state, county, and city requirements are for a home-based business.

• Depending on what type of business you operate you might be able to get an endorsement on your homeowner’s policy that has higher limits or covers specific perils or risks.

• Will your home-based business insurance cover your lost income or ongoing expenses if your home is damaged?

• Are there bundles or packages available for homeowners who run a business out of their home? This might lower your rates or save you money over time.

• If you have any staff you’ll need to get worker’s compensation insurance. Many home-based business owners mistakenly believe that this type of insurance in only required by businesses that have a retail or separate location, but that’s not the case.

These insurance plans can help ensure that you are prepared to face any eventuality that might occur while you are running your own business. Disasters, accidents, and crises can strike at any time. By preparing now, you may be saving your company significant money over time. Talk to your agent today.

A Zabbia In The Baseball Hall of Fame!

2007-10-09T07:49:00.000-07:00

Here is an article about my cousin, Lou Zabbia. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. For the full article, you can go to: http://rosevillept.com/articles/2007/09/12/sports/local_sports/01zabbia.txt

Legendary Lou
Roseville man to be honored with Hall of Fame induction
By: Tom Kellar, Press-Tribune sports editor
Thursday, September 13, 2007

Courtesy Roseville resident Lou Zabbia, right, poses with Hall of Famer Willie Mays in this promotional photo. Zabbia, who spent 16 years as a manager of Senior Baseball League's Sacramento Giants, will be inducted into the Sacramento branch of the Senior Baseball League Hall of Fame in a ceremony Saturday.

This Saturday, Roseville resident Lou Zabbia will be among the first group of players and managers to be inducted into the Sacramento branch of the Men's Senior Baseball League Hall of Fame. Zabbia will find himself in elite company, with eight of the 26 inductees having had professional careers in Major League Baseball. The list includes Jim Barr, Ron Brand, Don Carrithers, Leron Lee, Butch Metzger, Bob Oliver, Lowell Palmer and Jim Willoughby.

During Zabbia's 16 years as manager of the Senior Baseball League's Sacramento Giants, his teams won eight league titles. He piloted Sacramento Senior Baseball League all-star teams to the national championship round seven times, with five of those teams eventually taking home the title.
In 1998, he guided a U.S.-team entry in the Nike World Senior Games to a first-place finish. His achievements include a 54-game win streak, spread over parts of three different seasons, and a managerial winning percentage of .786.

Zabbia, now 67, lights up when he's talking baseball, the game that so forcefully captured his imagination as a New York City youth growing up in the Bronx. Thanks to his membership in a large baseball-loving family, he became a passionate New York Giants fan before the team's move to San Francisco.

"My grandfather came from Italy and became a Giants fan, even though the Polo Grounds were in Manhattan," Zabbia said. "He took my dad to the Polo Grounds when he was a boy and in 1949, when I was 9 years old, he also took me to the Polo Grounds to see a game. I was instantly enthralled."

Zabbia's love for baseball continued to grow, reaching fever-pitch proportions two years later during the now-famous Giants-Dodgers National League playoff series. The event was an instant classic, producing one of the most memorable moments in baseball history, The Shot Heard 'Round the World. The best-of-three was tied at one victory for each team, when in the bottom half of the ninth inning, the Giants Bobby Thomson hit a three-run, walk-off homer, handing the Giants the National League crown.

"1951 was the year the Giants signed Mays. That was a magical year for baseball, a magical year for the Giants, and a magical year for me," Zabbia said.
"I was sitting in the living room of a tenement house in the Bronx when the Dodgers went up 4-1 in the ninth inning. I was alone on the couch watching a 12-inch RCA TV. My dad had walked out of the room with a broken heart, thinking the Dodgers were going to win."

What came next was total exhilaration, followed by the unintended destruction of living-room furniture.

"When Thomson hit the homerun," a smiling Zabbia said, "there were tears streaming down my face. Then I jumped up on the couch and all the springs popped out."

While still a child, Zabbia gained a clear understanding of where his sporting talent could best be utilized.

"I used to watch teams win championships and wondered what it felt like for the players when they would run on the field, jumping on each other and celebrating," Zabbia said. "I knew I wasn't much of a talent as a player, but I ended up getting to experience that feeling as a manager."

After watching the masterful job that Leo Durocher did in managing those '51 Giants, Zabbia tried to pattern his own efforts as a skipper after the man that fans called "Leo the Lip."

"I studied Durocher's style," Zabbia said. "He would go by the book in certain situations, but the majority of the decisions he made came from gut-feel and instinct." Zabbia has innumerable memories of his years in baseball, but when asked for a favorite, he points toward the '95 Senior Baseball League all-star team that won a national division title in Phoenix, despite having only 15 players.

"We only had a week to practice for Phoenix, and because our roster was short, I asked the players if they wanted to consider dropping down to a lower division," Zabbia said. "To a man they said no, telling me that if we get beat, we want to get beat by the best."

The schedule was grueling, consisting of six nine-inning games in four days, followed by a semi-final, and championship round.

To reach the semi-finals, a team could not lose more than one game, so Zabbia and his club were reeling when Barr, the team's ace pitcher, suffered his first-ever tournament loss in the opener, dropping a 5-2 decision to Phoenix.
Incredibly, the team reeled off five straight wins, clawing its way into the semi-final round where Sacramento defeated San Jose, and then Phoenix in the final, 5-0. It was Zabbia's fourth Senior Baseball crown.

"That's a memory that you just can't beat," Zabbia said. "Winning was completely unexpected, and when I see the guys from that team today, they always bring it up."

Zabbia came to Northern California after joining the Air Force, was stationed at Beale Air Force base near Wheatland, and later became a Sacramento police officer, retiring in 1996 after 25 years on the force. Zabbia has lived in the area more than 40 years.

Besides his work with Sacramento's Senior Baseball League, Zabbia is currently an assistant under Dean Perkins for Oakmont's high school team.

For a born instructor like Zabbia, some habits die hard, and some things will never change. "The love of the game will never leave me," Zabbia said. "I'm 67 now and I can't seem to get away from the sport. That's why I'm at Oakmont working with the kids. When the light goes on for a kid you're trying to teach, it's a great, great feeling."

The Sacramento Men's Senior Baseball League inaugural-induction event is set to take place at a private location in El Dorado Hills, beginning at 6 p.m.

How much you should withhold?

2007-10-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

If you're like most people, you probably pay Uncle Sam throughout the year by having your employer withhold taxes from your paycheck.
Your employers, using tax guides given to them by government, determines how much money should be withheld from your paycheck. This is based on information you provided when you started you job.
Surprised? That's because you've probably forgotten about that Form W-4 you filled out, something most people do when they start a new job and forget to change yearly or after a life change. Examples: had a child, got married/divorced, etc…
The W-4, which can be changed any time, enables you to mark your tax filing status (single, married, etc.) and the number of allowances you want to take.
An allowance essentially reduces the amount of taxes withheld, and increases the amount of your take-home pay. Each allowance represents an exemption, credit, or some other tax benefit you plan to claim when you fill out your return.
Your goal at the beginning of every tax year should be to have withheld at least 90 percent of what you think you'll owe for that year, but not much more.
If you use the worksheet on the back of your W-4, you should have a least 90% covered
Each January, your employer sends you and the IRS a Form W-2 that reports your earnings for the prior tax year and the total amount of tax you had withheld.
You're responsible for calculating how much more you owe (and paying the difference by April 15), or, figuring out how much the IRS should refund you if you overpaid.
Although a lot of people consider a refund found money. The truth is getting a refund check just means you've given the government an interest-free loan. It's money you earned and should have had access to throughout the year.
Say you get a $1,200 refund (the average is about $1,700). You could have pocketed more money if you had adjusted your withholding so that you got an extra $100 a month and invested that money in an interest-bearing account.
Or, if you carried a credit card balance, the extra amount could have been used to pay off some of your high-interest debt.
For detailed instructions on adjusting your tax withholding, see IRS Publication 919. or for more information on how to reduce your taxes contact our office today!

Which is better: a cash incentive or 0% financing?

2007-08-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

When auto manufacturers want to move certain models or generate more traffic in their dealerships, they'll typically offer new car purchasers a choice between a cash rebate and low-interest financing, sometimes as low as 0%. Which is the better deal?

For some buyers, the question is moot. While cash rebates are available to anyone, 0% financing is usually available only to those who have excellent credit and reach a certain income level. Further, special financing is often limited to loans with terms of 36 months or less. Shorter-term loans mean higher monthly payments, which may not fit into some buyers' budgets. In these cases, the cash rebate may be the only viable option.

If you do have a choice, though, the better deal depends on many factors, including the price of the car, the size of the rebate, the interest rates available for financing, and how much you're putting down.

For example, say the car you want has a price tag of $20,000, and you're putting $1,500 down. Your choice is 0% financing for 36 months or a $2,500 cash rebate. You can get 36-month financing at your bank at 4.5%. With 0% financing, your total payments would be $18,500. With the rebate, your total payments would be approximately $17,134. In this case, you'd save $1,366 by choosing the rebate.

Before you go to the dealer, find out if any of the cars you're looking at qualify for rebates or special financing. Unscrupulous dealers may not disclose incentives to you. And always negotiate the car price separately, before considering the rebate or financing--or any trade in for that matter--as the dealer may bump up the car price to compensate for them.

For more information please contact our office today!

Heat Wave Tips

2007-06-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

It’s supposed to be extremely hot and I want to remind you to drink plenty of water. Dehydration is a major concern especially to young children, the elderly and those who are active outdoors. Make sure that you use lots of sunscreen and stay out of the sun. If you have pets outside, make sure you have them in the shade with plenty of water also. It would also be nice to check on an elderly neighbor. All of us at the Zabbia Agency care about your well being, so enjoy the hot days and stay safe.

Expansion of the Zabbia Insurance Agency

2007-06-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Things have been a little crazy for me. We just added another location in Hyde Park NY, and I spent most of May setting it up. The new office is at 4285 Albany Post Road, Suite 7, and it is up an running. The team there is great, and you can find me there at least once a week. Now we can better serve our clients in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange Counties. As always, we can help anybody in the great state of New York, and Commericial Policies in Pennsylvania, Conneticut, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Should You Keep All Financial Records?

2007-06-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Along with old theater programs and bronzed baby shoes, folders of canceled check, bank statements and income tax records going back perhaps as far as the 1040’s, you may ask, “What among all this can be discarded?”

The traditional answer has been: “Virtually everything except tax records for the past three years may be discarded.” Taxpayers are required to retain documentation supporting claims on tax returns only until the statute of limitations has passed, a period of three years.

However, the catch is the fact that the IRS can “create law on the spot” or “change law on the spot,” and the IRS does not have to abide by existing law. Thus the “three year rule” doesn’t apply if the IRS claims the rule does not apply. If the IRS claims your return has been false or fraudulent the rule is also voided. The rule also does not apply if a prior year’s return is in question, such as for the prior purchase of a “tax shelter.”

Also, documents supporting a tax-loss carry forward, charitable carry forward, or depreciation schedule should be kept until they are no longer relevant. As for old checks, the only ones that probably would be needed are those that would substantiate the basis of a home, including all improvements or any other capital asset.

Because of the rules on the retention of certain tax records, in years to come, many taxpayers will have to save more papers for longer periods. For example, anyone with passive losses that cannot be written off in the current year will have to retain the documentation until at least three years after the losses have been used.
Taxpayers with non-deductible IRAs will have to hold on to all records pertaining to those accounts as long as the IRAs are in force, including tax returns and/or IRS Forms 5498, 1099-R ad W-2P. This could be twenty to forty years!

Documentation detailing the acquisition and improvement of a primary home as well as a second home now must also be retained, not just to be able to prove one’s basis, but because the IRS requires it. Form 2119, giving details on the sale or exchange of a principal residence, must be kept as long as the costs of the home could be at issue. Since residence gains are “rolled up” into the successive purchases, a mobile family will accumulate many records. Otherwise, the taxable gain at the last sale will be overstated.

And to make matters worse, if all this record keeping requires you to rent a U-Haul or a storage facility, the cost is generally not deductible.

Here we go

2007-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

I just came from an awesome conference in San Diego. One of the ideas that I picked up from an other agent was to set up a blog. Well, I already do a monthly newsletter, so why not a blog? I will try to update this as often as possible. I will also try to make it informative and interesting.