July, 2021 | Boizelle Insurance Partnership
How Do I File An Insurance Claim?
We can never know when an accident is going to occur. That’s the whole point of having insurance, to protect us from the unexpected. We understand how shocking and traumatic accidents can be. When you’re involved in an auto collision, oftentimes, you’re not able to immediately process what’s just happened. And, filing a claim with your insurance company probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. Once the sheer shock of the collision has worn off, it’s important to take the next step. You’re probably going to want to file a claim. We’ll take you through the process to make sure it’s easy, understandable, and stress-free.
When should I file an insurance claim?
If and when you are ever involved in an auto collision, the first step you are going to want to take is to assess the amount of damage to the vehicles involved. Minor dings and scratches may present damage in which the cost to make repairs does not exceed your auto insurance deductible (this is the amount of money you have agreed to pay out of pocket before your insurance company covers the remaining costs up to your policy’s limit). If this is the case, filing a claim may not be your best option since filing too many claims may lead to an increase in the cost of your insurance or an outright cancellation. If you do choose to move forward with filing a claim, your insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and will make a determination as to how much repairs will likely cost. If the claim is approved, you will receive a check in the mail to cover the cost of repairs. Again, you must pay your deductible beforehand.
There are certain scenarios in which you should strongly consider filing a claim:
When someone is injured.
If anyone involved in the auto collision is injured as a result of the collision, you should file a claim with your insurance company.
When it’s not 100% clear who the at-fault party is.
Sometimes, it’s not perfectly clear who is responsible for damages related to an auto accident. If this is ever the case, exchange insurance information with the other driver and let the insurance companies figure out what exactly happened. A police report may help aid you in this case as well.
When your vehicle is deemed a “total loss” or you simply cannot afford to cover the cost of damages.
In the event of a “total loss” accident, it is likely that you are looking at considerable costs pertaining to damages. In this case, filing a claim is the best way to go.
If you are ever uncertain about whether or not to file a claim, it’s a good idea to talk to your licensed insurance professional who can guide you through the claims process and answer any questions you may have.
When you’re at the scene of an accident, if it’s necessary, call the police. A police report may assist in determining what exactly happened at the scene and only makes the process run more smoothly for yourself and your insurance company.
Document Everything and Exchange Information
The information you’ll need from the other driver is as follows:
Name, address and phone number of the other driver, and, if possible, a photo copy of their driver’s license.
Insurance policy numbers
Year, make, and model of all vehicles involved as well as license plate numbers
Taking photographs of vehicle damage can help your present evidence in court if a lawsuit is filed against you. Additionally, photos provide evidence to your insurance company and help them determine payouts as well.
Notes regarding any conversations you had with those involved in the accident and any witnesses who were at the scene.
Call us at 301-948-2010
Our licensed insurance professionals are here for you to guide you through the claims process, so you’re able to have the peace of mind you deserve.
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The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and How to Combat It
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is very real, very dangerous, and is something that should not be taken lightly.
What happens when you develop Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? It’s not pretty. When there is too much carbon monoxide in the air and you breathe it in, that poisonous gas is taking the place of healthy oxygen within your red blood cells. When this happens, oxygen is not able to reach your body’s tissues and organs in order to function properly and effectively. The effect can be devastating and can even lead to death.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning include: dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. Even worse is, because carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas, people who may be asleep or intoxicated may suffer irreversible brain damage before even realizing there is a problem. That’s why it is so important to have your carbon monoxide detector routinely checked to make sure they are functioning properly.
Carbon Monoxide gas is especially dangerous when it is able to be released in enclosed spaces and areas. For instance, one should never use a charcoal grill indoors because carbon monoxide from the fumes has the ability to build to dangerous levels. Additionally, smoke inhalation during a house fire can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Those At Highest Risk for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:
- Unborn Babies: Because fetal blood cells take up more readily than those of an adult, unborn babies are at higher risk for being harmed from exposure to carbon monoxide.
- Children: Because the lungs of young children may not be as strong as an adult’s, they may be more likely to take more breaths. This could make them more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Older adults: Older adults may be more likely to experience irreversible brain damage from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- People With Chronic Heart Disease: Those who suffer from anemia and/or have difficult breathing are especially at risk.
- Those Who Become Unconscious Due to Exposure to Carbon Monoxide: If someone loses consciousness, this could indicate a more severe exposure to carbon monoxide. Call 911 immediately.
Potentially Devastating Effects of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Permanent Brain Damage
- Damage to your heart, potentially leading to life-threatening cardiac complications
- Fetal death or miscarriage
- Death
Ways to Combat And/Or Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Because carbon monoxide gas is both odorless and colorless, it is virtually undetectable to humans. Therefore, preventative measure are really the only way to protect yourself and your family. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones:
Install carbon monoxide detectors: Wherever members of your family sleep, a carbon monoxide detector should be placed in or near every room of your house. Regular battery checks are essential to ensure everyone’s overall safety. Conduct these checks at least twice a year. If the alarm does go off, do not take the time to try to discover where the leak is coming from. Instead, remove yourself and your loved ones from the house and move to a safe area immediately. Once you are safe, call 911 or your local fire department for assistance.
Open your garage before starting your car. This really should go without saying. We’ve all see what happened to the character Peter Russo in the show “House of Cards”, right? Now, although that was a fictional show, it correctly and effectively demonstrated the devastating effects of carbon monoxide gas on the human body. Carbon Monoxide gas thrives in small, enclosed areas. It is important to remember that.
Use gas appliances as recommended.
Keep your fuel-burning appliances and engines properly vented.
Space heaters
Furnaces
Charcoal grills
Cooking ranges
Water heaters
Fireplaces
Portable generators
Wood-burning stoves
Car and truck engines
It is of paramount importance that, if you have a gas fireplace, that you keep it in good, healthy condition. This means having to properly inspected for gas leaks every year. Conduct yearly cleaning sessions for your chimney and flue.
Keep your vents and chimneys unblocked during any remodeling. Remove any tarps or debris to ensure airways are clean and clear.
If an incident has occurred in a given area, do not return to that specific area until a thorough investigation of, and/or repairs to, the area is conducted. Your local fire department or utility company can could be of assistance with this. You can also call your own inspector.
Be extremely cautious when working with solvents in an enclosed area. Methylene chloride, which is a solvent commonly found in certain paints and varnish removers, can break down into carbon monoxide when it is inhaled. Exposure to this may cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Why Is It So Expensive to Rent a Car Right Now?
When COVID-19 first hit, home owners and renters all over the country suddenly became hermits, reluctant to leave the comfort, safety, and security of their own homes. The fear of becoming infected with a virus that, at the time, no one knew very much about, was paralyzing. Once distancing and travel restrictions were lifted, consumers stormed out of their homes and back into the world, eager to have some fun!
It is commonly understood that supply and demand have a direct and important connection. When supply is high and demand is low, prices go down. When supply is low and demand is high, prices go up. This is what we have been seeing as it relates to renting cars. And as such, consumers have been finding it hard to get their hands on a rental car when they want to travel. Why? Well, as travel restrictions eased and restaurants lifted their social-distancing limitations, people immediately took the first opportunity they could to return their lives to some semblance of normalcy, like a desperate fish out of water.
Areas with warmer weather are seeing the most dramatic jumps in prices. Hawaii and Orlando, FL have seen a drastic influx of travelers that has overwhelmed the supply of available rental cars. Before travel restrictions were eased, many car companies elected to sell off their unused inventory in order to stay afloat and not feel the painful effects of the loss of business. Businesses needed the demand to stay at a high level and that just did not happen during the virus outbreak. And, to make matters even worse, the current semiconductor chip shortage has made the process of finding new cars to fill their fleets a lot longer. Going back to that concept of supply and demand, if there is a shortage of supply, the cost of renting a vehicle is going to go up. That jump could be significant in certain areas of the country, especially in areas that attract a lot of tourists or vacationers.
Experts recommend planning farther ahead if you want to plan a family trip. The farther in advance you make your plans, the likelihood your rental car prices will be lower and more manageable are good.
Car Dealerships may be a good option for anyone who is planning to take a road trip. This is because, unlike what you see at rental car places where the prices are inflated, the prices are fixed at car dealerships.
The best way to combat high prices for rental cars is to plan your trips and vacations well in advance. Safe travels!
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Why Are Certificates of Insurance Important?
A certificate of insurance is a document proving that an insured party has insurance coverage. Typically, a certificate of insurance is requested by the clients of the insured. Verification of insurance coverage is provided to third parties that an individual or entity has insurance coverage. If an individual hires a contractor to paint his house, that individual will call an insurance company and request a certificate of insurance. This document reassures the hirer
The certificate of insurance is not identical to the actual insurance policy, but it does contain important information that is also listed on the policy. The coverage offers the insured protection from any claims pertaining to liability. It is important to remember that, if and when someone files a claim against the insured for a particular incident, that incident must have taken place within the policy period. The policy period is the length of time the policyholder is provided insurance coverage.
There are different types of certificates of insurance: certificates of property insurance, general liability insurance certificates (these are typically issued when a claim is made against the insured), Workers’ compensation certificates, which are used to show evidence of an employee’s or contractor’s insurance coverage pertaining to work-related incidents. There are also certificates of insurance for automobile liability.
The insurance policy may provide liability coverage for damages caused by fire on the insured’s property. If the insured is deemed legally liable for the damages, they are then required to pay for the damages. Medical expenses to cover any injured parties who suffer injuries on the insured’s property may be provided by an insurance policy. Auto Insurance policies provide compensation for any injured third parties in the event of an injury suffered during an auto accident. If an insured is involved in a serious at-fault accident involving other parties and his or limits of liability are exhausted, excess liability coverage would kick in to cover medical care like hospital visits, etc. This kind of coverage must be purchased separately from general auto insurance coverage. It can be added as an endorsement on the policy. Having excess liability coverage is always a smart idea because it can protect an individual from suffering financial ruin.
The certificate of insurance should be very clear and specific in stating what is covered and should conform to the specific terms and conditions stated within the contract. This prevents any misunderstandings of coverage between the insurance company and the insured.
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