Winter Weather - Property Protection

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PREVENTING FREEZE UP - FROZEN & BURST WATER PIPESCold weather freeze-ups can cause vital fire protection systems to malfunction. Cold temperatures can cause sprinkler piping to burst resulting in major water damage to buildings, contents, and equipment. Pipes bursting can also impair automatic sprinkler systems and leave a major portion of your facility without fire protection. A fire during this situation may result in a major interruption to your business and a huge loss. In the interest of preventing water damage claims for your property, designated key personnel should be aware of freeze protection and emergency preparedness procedures. Utilize the Winter Weather Precautions Checklist to assist with your risk control program. Best Practices include: Building temperature should be monitored, documented, and maintained at 55° F or higher • Perform freeze protection inspections and be cognizant of shutdown procedures • Have a contingency plan with contractors and suppliers • Pre-emergency planning for fire, water damage, and snow removal should be established • Boilers, furnaces, heaters, and flues should be serviced regularly • 24 hour building surveillance • Enforce a no smoking policy • Safeguard flammable or combustible liquids Water Supplies • Tanks should not leak and pressure should be checked • Water temperature should remain at 42°F or above • Check fire hydrants for proper drainage by outside contractor or water department • Buried sprinkler control valves and valve pits should be marked in the event of heavy snowfall • Fire pump room should not drop below 70°F • Post indicator valve, OS&Y valve, and test header to pump inspected regularly Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems • All areas of buildings with sprinkler systems should maintain a temperature of 40°F or above • Cold weather valves should be closed while all others remain open • Windows, skylights, and doors should be in good condition and sealed tightly • Check temperatures with thermometer Dry Pipe Systems • Dry lines should be checked for proper drainage so trapped water doesn't cause breakage • Check drains located in cold places for freezing • Dry-valve clapper should be properly set with temperature maintained at 40°F or above • Low air pressure alarms should be provided, calibrated and connected to constantly attended locations • Low pressure switches should be set at 5 psi which is above trip point of dry pipe valve • Air pressure checked regularly with records maintained to indicate normal pressure • Air drying equipment available to supply air to system as designed PREVENTING HEAVY ROOF LOADING & COLLAPSE Snow and ice build up can wreak havoc by placing additional loads on roofs, and supporting bearing members. Snow and winter storm event severity can be hard to predict depending on the location and geography of your facilities. It is best practice to plan ahead to have a written plan in place when the snow or ice arrives. Roofs collapse mainly due to weather patterns that produce a cycle of 2 events: • a rapid freeze • a rapid thaw This rapid freeze and thaw cycling produce weighty snow/ice buildup that places excess stress on your roof. Flat roofs are especially prone to excessive accumulation and build up by the lack of natural grading, pitch and lack of runoff. Best practices include: Maintain all roofs and keep current with repairs. Winter weather will only further damage any underlayment and the damaging effects of water infiltration will be costly and may cause business interruptions. Arrange to have all roofs cleared of snow especially where snow drifts are visible. Hire a competent contractor for this dangerous task. Request contractor to clear any and all roof drains to allow for runoff and limit ponding especially on flat or relatively shallow pitched roofs. Clear pathways to the eaves in situations where there is a pitched roof without drainage pipes. PREMISES AND FIRE FIGHTING EFFORTSRemoval of accumulation of snowfall from your driveways, sidewalks and entryways is essential to maintain safe access to your facility by emergency responders. Clear all driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, access ways, bulkheads, portals, entryways and exits to allow for emergency to safely access your premises. Onsite fire fighting workers enhanced if hydrants are accessible and clearly marked with colored marker flags in high snow drifts. Unoccupied buildings:Vacant, idle, or otherwise “unoccupied” buildings or large buildings with unused space (compartments, floors, rooms, or basements, etc.) present another set of hazards that an organization must consider for best practice winter weather controls. Inadvertent releases of water, left unchecked or allowed to flow unnoticed, usually results in extensive interior damage. Best practices for these situations involve: • Maintain fire protection services including water based fire protection services (sprinklers) - consult your contractor to maintain these systems in service • Maintain interior heat at 40°F or greater • Maintain remote (electronic) monitoring of indoor temperatures • Visit and survey daily to verify conditions of building or space • Install water alarms to detect of release of water, burst pipe, etc. Unheated Space: • Close main water valves with potable/domestic water • Contract a plumbing professional to drain all piping from water heaters, faucets, and supply piping • Notify proper authorities when plans call for fire protection system (sprinkler) impairment For more information on freeze protection, winter weather precautions, or any additional safety information, please log on to our risk management services website and register at PHLY.com. IMPORTANT NOTICE - The information and suggestions presented by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company in this e-brochure is for your consideration in your loss prevention efforts. They are not intended to be complete or definitive in identifying all hazards associated with your business, preventing workplace accidents, or complying with any safety related, or other, laws or regulations. You are encouraged to alter them to fit the specific hazards of your business and to have your legal counsel review all of your plans and company policies.

Missed Opportunity

I was recently at a training conference and there was a segment that the presenter talked about the greatest missed opportunity of his career and a very painful life experience. He talked with great passion on the subject, I can't claim this story as my own but it impacted me and gave me a new purpose in my business. I wanted to share, as best I can repeat. Jim was an insurance agent for many years but before that he had begun a life long friendship with a guy he deeply cared for and met with weekly as a spiritual partner and mentor. Jim had been through ups and downs with his friend and he was with him through it all as a listener and comforter. The friend was always there to build him up and support him. Their families became great friends and they were closer than ever when news struck that Jim's friend had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was inoperable and time with his friend was very limited. The pain of losing his confidant was difficult enough but after the funeral when the realization of the missed opportunity came was when he experienced another great loss. The wife of Jim's friend came to him and asked if her husband had purchased life insurance through Jim. Jims only answer was, no. He felt like when he replied with that simple no, it was like he just told this widow that he didn't care about her husband and that he didn't care what happened to her. She didn't hear that of course, she just heard no, and went on her way to figure out how she would go on with her life. Jim would have rather said, Yes and handed her a check or let her know it is on the way for any amount of money. At the very least he would have liked to say, "I'm sorry but when I asked him if he needed life insurance, he said no" but out of all of those years, Jim never asked. He assumed that his friend would have told him  if he wanted a policy.

What Jim wanted us to take from his experience is for us as agents to not wait for those we care about to ask us about coverage. We say we care about our clients and the most important way we can show that is to offer them life insurance. We can't assume they have it taken care of or don't need it. We can't put ourselves in their shoes and assume what they will need or want in the event of a loved ones passing. We sell car insurance all day long with the promise we will be there if they have an accident which may or may not ever happen. We all know our life has an expiration date, we just don't know when so why wouldn't we provide the protection that is guaranteed to be paid out at some point and make a life changing difference to the recipients.

One last thought, for those that are trying to find room in the ever tightening budget for life insurance, I just encourage you to consider even the least expensive option. "This check is too much" said no beneficiary ever!



*Jim shared this story with greater detail and passion than I can portray but I hope the point is made clear through my recount of his experience.

Fire Prevention Week 2013

Fast Facts about Fire

Home Fires

• In 2011, U.S. fire departments responded to 370,000 home structure fires. These fires caused 13,910 civilian injuries, 2,520 civilian deaths, $6.9 billion in direct damage.
• On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day.
• Cooking is the leading cause home fires and home fire injuries, followed heating equipment. Smoking is a leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.
• Most fatal fires kill one or two people. In 2011, 12 home fires killed five or more people resulting in a total of 67 deaths.

Cooking  

• U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 156,600 cooking-related fires between 2007-2011, resulting in 400 civilian deaths, 5,080 civilian injuries and $853  million in direct damage. 
• Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen.
• Unattended cooking was a factor in 34% of reported home cooking fires.
• Two-thirds of home cooking fires started with ignition of food or other cooking materials. 
• Ranges accounted for the 58% of home cooking fire incidents. Ovens accounted for 16%.
• Children under five face a higher risk of non-fire burns associated with cooking than being burned in a cooking fire.
• Microwave ovens are one of the leading home products associated with scald burn injuries not related to fires. Nearly half (44%) of the microwave oven injuries seen at emergency rooms in 2011 were scald burns.
• Clothing was the item first ignited in less than 1% of home cooking fires, but these incidents accounted for 16% of the cooking fire deaths.

Heating

• The leading factor contributing to heating equipment fires was failure to clean, principally creosote from solid fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
• Portable or fixed space heaters, including wood stoves, were involved in one-third (32%) of home heating fires and four out of five (80%) home heating deaths.
• Half of home heating fire deaths resulted from fires caused by heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses or bedding.
• In most years, heating is the second leading cause of home fires, fire deaths, and fire injuries. Fixed or portable space heaters are involved in about 4 out of 5 heating fire deaths.

Smoking Materials

• During 2007-2011 smoking materials caused an estimated 17,900 home structure fires, resulting in 580 deaths, 1,280 injuries and $509 million in direct property damage, per year.
• Sleep was a factor in one-third of the home smoking material fire deaths.
• Possible alcohol impairment was a factor in one in five of home smoking fire deaths.  
• In recent years, Canada and the United States have required that all cigarettes sold must be “fire safe,” that is have reduced ignition strength and less likely to start fires.

Electrical

• About half (49%) of home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Other leading types of equipment were washer or dryer, fan, portable or stationary space heater, air conditioning equipment water heater and range.
• Electrical failure or malfunctions caused an average of almost 50,000 home fires per year, resulting in roughly 450 deaths and $1.5 billion in direct property damage.  

Candles

• During 2007-2011 candles caused 3% of home fires, 4% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries and 6% of direct property damage from home fires.
• On average, there are 32 home candle fires reported per day.
• Roughly one-third of these fires started in the bedroom; however, the candle industry found that only 13% of candle users burn candles in the bedroom most often.
• More than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle.

Escape Planning 

• According to an NFPA survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.
• Almost three-quarters of Americans do have an escape plan; however, more than half never practiced it .
• One-third of Americans households who made and estimate they thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out! 

Smoke Alarms

• Almost two-thirds (62%) of reported home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported home fires in half.
• In fires considered large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 92% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated only 77% of the time.

Source: http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/fast-facts-about-fire

Back to School

School’s Back in Session: Back to School Tips

By Staff Writer

https://www.trustedchoice.com/content/2013/09/back-to-school-tips/

It is that time of year again! Uniforms are laid out, lunches are packed, and school buses are on the road everywhere. As the school year begins, you may think, you have everything in order, but here are a few things to consider adding to your Back-to-school list of things to do for children at every age:

Tiny Tots (Infants-toddler aged children)

Most day care facilities require every child to turn in a medical review form, ensuring that little Timmy has had the proper shots and vaccines before the school year begins. Most of these forms require parents to make a trip to the doctor’s office, so be sure to include this on your list of things to do, prior to the beginning of the school year. Also, check with your local government about free back to school immunization clinics that are usually offered in August and September.

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Little Lads and Ladies (preschoolers)

Children are our most precious and valuable assets. Just as parents know, day care centers and pre-schools know this and should have policies in line to cover little Timmy, should he hurt himself under their negligence. Most facilities provide day care insurance liability information within the packet you are given when you register your child. Be sure to dig through those mounds of paper and read over that information to understand how to protect little Timmy when he does his monkey-bar stunts at preschool.
This is also the time to talk to your Trusted Choice ® Independent Insurance agent about term life insurance policies for college planning for Timmy’s future if you plan to take out loans. “In the event that something should happen to your child before the loan is paid off, proceeds from a life insurance policy can be used to pay the balance of the loan,” said Kathy Cunningham, assistant vice president, Life Marketing at Grange Insurance. Premiums are usually lower when children are young, as they are usually in good health at this age.

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Kool Kids (school age and preteens)

As a regular soccer-mom/dad, you have given your share of rides to Little Timmy’s teammates, but use caution! Transporting other peoples’ little ones to events can be tricky. From a legal standpoint, always be sure to have contacted the other child’s parents and get their permission to have their children in your possession. As far as insurance goes, most policies would cover bodily harm to passengers in your vehicle in the event of an accident; however, it is EXTREMELY important to understand YOUR personal auto policy coverage, in order to ensure safety for every person that rides in your vehicle, big and small.

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Teenage Dreamers (teenagers)

For some reason, your state believes that Little Timmy should be allowed to operate a vehicle and breathe at the same time. Before you pass out from pure shock, call your Trusted Choice ® Independent Insurance agent to talk about auto policy additions and coverage. Remind Timmy to study hard also- some insurance agencies offer a discount on the premium as a reward for young drivers with good grades.
Be sure that you and Timmy both remember to be a bit more cautious while driving in the neighborhood this time of year. With school in session, there is a change in traffic, which means more buses and children crossing the street in the morning and afternoon. And not that you need the reminder, but tell Timmy NO TEXTING WHILE DRIVING!

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Growing Graduate (college-age children)

He no longer wants to be called Timmy, just Tim, and you’re in dire straits- from him leaving and the tuition bill you just paid! Eliminate extra stress by calling your Trusted Choice ® Independent Insurance agent to go over you homeowner’s insurance policy to make sure Tim is covered while away on campus. Most policies cover Tim as he is considered a resident of your home, but ask questions and be specific in what is covered- laptops, personal belongings etc… This is also a good time to talk about the auto policy, and update all of your information. Also look into Renter’s insurance, in the event that Tim gets an off-campus apartment or goes away for a long summer vacation.
Beyond warning him to wash his clothes more than twice a year, and to avoid eating pizza EVERYDAY, talk to him about being careful with his credit cards and personal information to avoid identity theft issues. After this, all you can do is cross your fingers, watch Tim drive away, and thank your Trusted Choice ® Independent Insurance agent for guiding you along the way.

MVP Quarterback Boomer Esiason shares his story

A Crisis of Underinsurance
According to LIMRA Statistics from 2012, both men and women are less likely to own life insurance today than they were in 2004, and the likelihood of being without life insurance has dramatically increased for every age group since that time.
• Only 61% of men and 57% of women have some sort of life insurance coverage—half as many in 2004.
• The likelihood of husbands having any life insurance has declined across every income level—low, middle and affluent, since 2004.
• Women of all ages average smaller amounts of individual life coverage than men of similar ages.
• On average, women have $129,800 of individual life insurance, while men have $187,100 of individual life insurance coverage.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM), and it is time to take personal financial responsibility to determine if life insurance should be part of your planning and how much is appropriate. Whether you choose to research online or pick up the phone to call your agent or advisor, now is the time to take action. Do it today!

Who Needs Life Insurance? Click here to learn more!

Do you need storage unit insurance?

Do you need storage unit insurance?

Motorcycle Insurance

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE: Only two wheels, same great coverage

By Staff Writer

 

 

The open road should be the only thing on your mind when you’re on your bike this summer. Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance Agents understand that anything can happen, and can answer questions you may have about protecting your bike, yourself, and anyone else. Here are a few things to consider when adding or renewing your motorcycle insurance:

State to state coverage varies

Most states require a motorcyclist to at least have liability coverage, which in a worst-case scenario; the policy will cover bodily injury and property damage that you cause to another person in an accident. Beyond this, you can purchase other insurance options like collision coverage (covering damage to your bike), comprehensive coverage (damage or loss by fire, theft, vandalism), and under/uninsured motorist coverage (damages caused by another driver who is uninsured or underinsured).

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Factors that affect motorcycle insurance premiums

Again, each state and situation dictates your specific insurance premium; however, here are some basic factors that can be used to determine your insurance premium

• Your age
• Your driving record
• Where you live
• The model/ or style of your motorcycle
• Number of miles driven on your motorcycle
• Where the motorcycle is stored

Discounts anyone?

Multiple bikes on one policy, your length of experience in riding, and graduating from a training course can give you immediate discounts. In some northern states, motorcyclists are also offered “lay up” policies, in which coverage can be suspended during winter months; however, be aware, some cost-savings may not be worth incurring the risk of a loss that is not covered. You may save $75 on a premium, but incur a five-figure loss. For instance, if your bike is stored in your garage during the layup period, someone steals it and runs over another person, and the injured person sues you, you would more than likely have no coverage with a lay-up endorsement.
Hopefully this information can get you started, but contact your local Trusted Choice® Independent Insurance Agent for more information on the right coverage for you.

SOURCE: http://www.iii.org/press_releases/motorcycle-coverage-is-widely-available-through-us-auto-insurers.html
http://www.independentagent.com/Education/VU/Insurance/Commercial-Lines/Auto/Endorsements/FacultyLayUp.aspx

Biggest Little Fair in the World!

Before moving to Johnstown in the mid 90's I didn't know what I was missing, The Hartford Fair! It comes around each August right before everyone goes back to school. The week is filled with so much: various 4-H projects, livestock, crafts, amusement rides and games, business displays, politicians, and the FOOD!

Besides all of that there is a big event each night in the Grandstand, check out this years line up:

Saturday: Phil Dirt & the Dozers

Sunday: Pick up Truck & School Bus Races

*Monday: Love & Theft/Dustin Lynch Concert*

Tuesday: Truck/Tractor Pull

Wednesday: Demolition Derby

Thursday: Motocross Racing

Friday: Rough Truck Contest

Saturday: Championship Horse Pull

The full schedule can be found on the fair's website: http://hartfordfair.com/schedule.htm

As a kid, I stayed year after year at the fair participating in the 4-H Band. We literally lived at the fair which meant some exciting and exhausting times with a lot of Fair Food! After my time in the band I took a few years off from visiting the fair but now I look back fondly at those times and now attend the fair in a different role. I've been setting up a display booth in the Business Buildings for several years to get to know people and offer my services to the attendees. Each year we did different things in the booth for fun - contests for a pedal tractor, bistro set, double amish rocking chair, and more. This year is going to be a little different. We have a drawing that has been going on all year and it will end in December. The attendees at the fair will have a chance to enter in our drawing to Win A Cruise! Each person that signs up to receive an insurance quote will be entered to win. The winner will be notified in December and will be given the opportunity to go on a Free Cruise in 2014. We will lots of other fun stuff in the booth as well so we hope we get a lot of visitors.

We also have a Facebook contest going on through Sunday August 4th at 5:00pm  It is for a chance to Win 2 Track Seats to the Love & Theft/Dustin Lynch concert Monday night at the Fair.

 You can enter by Liking MVP Agency and then by Commenting, Sharing, or Liking any of the posts about the concert: www.facebook.com/themvpagency 

Enter to Win - 2 Track Seats! www.facebook.com/themvpagency

See our website for more details about the Free Cruise Giveaway!

 http://www.themvpagency.com/index.aspx?sid=45913&tp=0&cd=1000&mid=160439&ds=Win-a-Cruise

What is a Trusted Choice Agency:

Trusted Choice®
Pledge of Performance

Trusted Choice® agencies are insurance and financial services firms whose access to multiple companies and commitment to quality service enable us to offer our clients competitive pricing, a broad choice of products and unparalleled advocacy.

As a Trusted Choice® agency, we are dedicated to you and are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. This commitment means we shall:

• Work with you to identify the insurance and financial services that are right for you, your family or your business and use our access to multiple companies to deliver those products.
• Guide you through the claims process for a prompt and fair resolution of your claim.
• Help you solve problems related to your coverage or account.
  Explain the coverages and options available to you through our agency, at your request.
• Return your phone calls and e-mails promptly and respond to your requests in a timely manner.
• Provide 24/7 services for our customers, offering any or all of the following: emergency phone numbers, Internet account access, e-mail and call center services.
• Use our experience and multiple company relationships to customize your coverage as needed.
• Commit our staff to continuing education so they may be more knowledgeable in serving you.
• Treat you with respect and courtesy.
• Conduct our business in an ethical manner.

We pledge this to you, our clients and ask that you let us know if we fail to meet our commitment, so we may take corrective action.

Deductible Changes to Homeowners Insurance....

A few months ago, we did a post about this and I just found this article in the Columbus Dispatch from a few days ago. Below is the link to the article - it is important for Homeowners to realize the changes that are happening to the insurance policies they have. A lot of times people don't pay much attention to the renewals because the mortgage company pays the bill on your behalf so this could go unnoticed for a long time and only find out when it comes time for a claim.  As an independent agent, we work with many companies and they have all made adjustments to what they offer and how they price it over the past few years. The days of $250 deductibles are gone - I don't know of any companies offering it for new customers and if you still have one, you are probably paying greatly for it - if you switch to one of the higher offers you will probably save a bundle! At MVP Agency, we don't expect you to figure this all out on your own. It is our job to advise you on what is available, how it will impact you should a claim arise, and offer timely and relevant information so that you can have the most appropriate coverage for your needs and budget.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2013/07/16/deductibles-added-for-wind-hail-damage.html

Top 10 Films Featuring Classic Cars

1. The winner is everyone's favourite, The Italian Job. It’s pure Swinging Sixties, featuring Michael Caine and Noël Coward, as well as those three Mini Coopers and the greatest cliffhanger ending of all time

2. Cooler than a pair of refrigerated underpants, it's Steve McQueen again, this time in Bullitt. His co-star, a Ford Mustang, was involved in one of the most famous car chase scenes in movie history

3. It's top three time, with the Steve McQueen vehicle Le Mans (1971). The film about the French endurance classic is definitely of its time, but still resonates with car fans today

4. Genevieve is a 1904 Darracq that regularly takes part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It was the star of the 1953 film of the same name, a romantic comedy based on, yes, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Here are John Gregson and Dinah Sheridan in the film

5. Jean Reno, together with a certain Robert De Niro, star in the 1998 crime thriller Ronin, renowned for its car chases through Nice and Paris

6. Herbie is the world's favourite Volkswagen Beetle, with a mind of its own. Pictured is Herbie in its third adventure, Herbie Goes To Monte Carlo (1977)

7=. Ghostbusters was the other film tying for seventh. In the 1984 comedy, the paranormal exterminator service Ghostbusters used this 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance conversion to rid New York of evil spirits

8=. Gone In 60 Seconds was equal seventh. The 2000 film starred Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie among a crew who have to steal 50 cars in 72 hours in order to prevent the killing of Cage's brother by a powerful crime boss

9=. The evergreen Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) tied with Back To The Future. Both cars were advanced, but Dick Van Dyke's flying car thrilled several generations of children before aviation was considered old hat and time travel took over

9=. There's no number 10, because two films tied for ninth place. One of them is Back To The Future (1985), a time-travelling trilogy featuring a DeLorean DMC-12. Undoubtedly the most famous DeLorean ever made.


Reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/picturegalleries/9655906/Top-10-films-featuring-classic-cars.html?frame=2388989

Shop Smart for Insurance with a Local Agent

When you're tackling something unfamiliar — booking a trip, doing your taxes — and you want to make sure it’s done right, you hire a professional. The same is true with car insurance.
A local agent talks with you about your vehicle and your life, and recommends options that match both.
Some local agents sell policies from only one company, and others sell policies from multiple companies. An agent who sells policies from more than one company can offer you more options because they have more companies and insurance products to choose from.
When you're ready to talk to a local agent, here are questions they might ask to create a policy that’s right for you:

• Do you have an older car? Once your car reaches a certain age, you can lower the amount of physical damage coverage. Your agent can adjust your policy accordingly. He or she also might suggest raising your deductible to save more money.
• What’s changed in your life lately? If you've recently moved, gotten married or had a birthday, you might be eligible for discounts.
• Do you need coverage for a different kind of vehicle? Your agent can help you get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles, and they don't have to be cars. If you have a motorcycle, boat, RV, ATV or snowmobile, it needs insurance, too.
• Do you need to insure something other than a car? One of the main advantages of an agent who sells more than one company’s policies is the ability to pick the best matches for all of your insurance needs — home, business, life, etc.

Talk to a local agent today. We can help maximize your selection and savings at MVP Agency 740-966-3180. www.themvpagency.com

Does My Roommate Need Renter's Insurance?

Does My Roommate Need Renter's Insurance?

Check out the link in this article for a site that will help you create a home inventory! This is important for everyone, not just renters. 

Father’s Day Memories Contest!!

                                                            Father’s Day Gifts Fit for Any Dad

What is your favorite memory with your dad as a child or more recently? 

Was it when he walked you down the aisle, taught you to shoot a bow and arrow, held your first child, smashed any bugs that tried to invade your bedroom, helped you build a fort or snowman....leave a comment about your favorite moments with your Dad! 

One Comment will be chosen at random to win a $10 Gift Card to Starbucks so you can treat that wonderful Dad of yours!!   Drawing will be Friday June 14th at 3:00 pm

Summer Storm Warnings - Resources for families

  Whether it is a summer storm (tornado, derecho, wind, hail...) or a winter storm (ice and snow) we encourage you to take certain steps before a disaster strikes! Click here for Tomorrow's Forecast. 

• Create a home inventory and review it with your agent to determine if you're properly covered. Take lots of pictures and store the information in a safe place.
• Make a plan for your family to determine where to go during a disaster, how you will contact each other and where to meet up if you're not all together.
• Call your agent as soon as you can after a disaster strikes. We recommend storing your agent's phone number and your insurance company's claims number in your cell phone.
• Avoid being victimized by a fraudulent contractor. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 Here is a great site for kids to learn about safety in all kinds of weather!  http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-safety.htm 

 It has some good reminders for everyone about what to do if you are caught outside in a storm and what not to do!

7 Fictional Characters Who Could Use Life Insurance

7 Fictional Characters Who Could Use Life Insurance

Her life could have been a lot different through life insurance! 

                                           
How will your families be if something happens to you? Have you taken the proper steps to protect them in the event something happens to you? Buying life insurance sometimes sounds like a hassle or morbid conversation but no family ever wished they didn't buy the life insurance after a tragedy. We can make it painless and easy to get the coverage you need to ensure that your surviving family members will be alright financially.

Summer Vacation Time!

                                            MVP Agency Offers
                                            Vacation Tips

to Protect You and Your Family

     Vacations should be a time spent having fun and relaxing. By taking a few extra precautions while traveling, you can prevent yourself, or your friends and family, from being a victim of crime.  MVP Agency and Travelers, a leading provider of auto and homeowners insurance, offer these safety tips to help you, your friends and family have a fun and safe vacation:

·         Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use traveler’s checks that can usually be replaced within 24 hours.

·         Use ATMs only during daylight hours. If you must use one after dark, try and find a well-lit, busy area such as a grocery store.

·         Leave copies of trip information with a friend or family member at home. This includes credit card numbers, passport numbers, plane tickets and itinerary information, and phone numbers for your credit card companies.

·         Keep credit cards, cash, passport, and plane tickets separate.

·         Wear a “money purse” underneath your clothes that contains passport, phone numbers for credit card companies, and a small amount of cash, should your wallet get stolen.

·         Carry a “dummy” wallet in your back pocket containing $20 which, if you were to be mugged, would satisfy the robber without draining all of your funds.

·         Have your mail delivery stopped while on vacation. If you have a neighbor retrieving mail and newspapers while you are away, ensure that they will be there every day. Nothing says an empty house like a stack of mail or newspapers at the front door.

·         Do not assume your personal documents are safe in your hotel room. Lock them in a safe while the room is unoccupied.

·         Have separate ATM, debit and credit cards and make sure that you need a PIN for in-store use of a debit card, not only for the ATM.

·         For women, do not hang purses on the back of bathroom stall doors.  It is very easy for someone to reach over the door and grab it. 

·         Leave your regular checkbook at home.  If your checks are stolen, it’s difficult to cancel them and track their use as you would a credit card.  Plus, if someone re-orders checks in your name, you won’t realize it until you receive your bank statement.

·         Only carry credit cards that you will need on vacation. Leave cards for particular department stores or things like gas cards at home.

·         Remember that your credit card number is on your plane tickets, so treat them as you would a credit card.

·         Cover ATM key pads when entering your PIN.  People could be watching over your shoulder, or even from a distance, and then later attempt to steal your wallet and use this information.

·         Use common sense when traveling. Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist.  Avoid reading maps in a busy, high-traffic area, carry your camera in a tote bag rather than the carrying case, and do not flaunt large amounts of cash when removing money from your wallet or pocket.

Your homeowners, condo or renters insurance policy may cover loss or damage of your personal items while traveling, up to specified limits.  Take time before you go on vacation to compile a personal property inventory, which helps determine replacement cost of lost items.  Document each item’s year of purchase and original price.  Items that may exceed policy limits, such as jewelry, cameras and golf equipment, need additional protection such as Travelers valuable items insurance.  To ensure you have the coverage you need, contact your independent insurance agent. 

Established in 2013, MVP Agency is an independent insurance agency offering a full range of insurance products including AUTO, HOME, LIFE, ETC.  MVP Agency is a member of Downtown Johnstown Inc.and supports the local schools and other community organizations.   

For information and quotes on insurance coverage, please visit      

MVP Agency Inc. at 73 S Main Street in Johnstown, call 740-966-3180, or on the web: www.themvpagency.com. 

About Travelers

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business.  The company’s diverse business lines offer its global customers a wide range of coverage sold primarily through independent agents and brokers. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Travelers has operations in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland. For more information, visit www.travelers.com.

Congratulations 2013 Graduates of Johnstown and Northridge!!

Special Congrats to the Top of the Class: 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/johnstown/news/2013/05/10/valedictorians-salutatorians-top-johnstown-northridge-students-ready-for-next-phase.html

Teen driving tips to keep prom and graduation safe

High school is full of defining moments for Johnstown teens and two of the highlights for most are prom and graduation.

However, this time of year often sees other, more tragic defining moments - serious car accidents involving teens who are distracted or even under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

At MVP Agency, we want to help make this season one to celebrate for you and your teen. So, with the help of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, here are some tips that can keep your teen safe.

First, encourage your teen to follow these general safe-driving rules:

Absolutely no alcohol

Always use seat belts

No cell phone use (including texting) while driving

Special circumstances

Of course, special events such as prom and graduation often present special circumstances. There may be dinner with dates before the dance, and parties before or after either event. It’s a good idea to discuss your expectations well before each event, putting some guidelines into place before your teen heads out for the night. Here are some ideas:

Make sure you know the itinerary of the evening, as well as who else will be with your teen. You should have contact information for everyone.

Have a way to contact your teen at all times. You may want to require them to check in with you once or twice over the course of the evening.

Set a curfew, whether they are coming back to your home or staying with a friend. If they are staying elsewhere, make sure the curfew will be enforced by a responsible adult.

Discuss with your teen how to handle difficult situations, such as facing pressure to drink, or accepting a ride with someone who shouldn’t be driving. It’s a good idea to provide your child with money for a taxi just in case.

Offer a “no-questions-asked” ride home, should they need one during the evening.

If you’re worried about your teen driving, consider alternate transportation. A car service or limousine will provide a responsible, experienced adult driver. You also will be able to limit changes to the itinerary and contact the driver.

Prom and graduation in Johnstown are special times in a teen’s life. And just a little common sense will go a long way toward making sure your young adult is around to enjoy the other milestones that are sure to come.

 Safeco Insurance Teen Safety Rewards™

Safeco Insurance  Teen Safety Rewards can provide you a collection of tools, benefits and discounts to help your teen become a safer driver — as well as manage the cost of adding them to your policy. There are several discounts available, including the Good Student Discount, Driver Training Discount and more. Call MVP Agency at 740-966-3180 for more information!