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