CHEERS TO 2013!

NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:   Getting Your Insurance Coverage in Order for 2014   There is not a lot of time to think about insurance during the hectic rush of the holidays, but as you ring in the New Year, it is a good idea to evaluate your insurance coverage. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers these tips and reminders to help with your review.

Homeowners/Renter's Insurance This is a great time to update your home inventory and make sure your homeowners or renter's policy is up-to-date. While the decorations are out of storage, take some photos or video of your baubles. Do not forget to make note of any antique items and their value so you can talk with your insurance agent to ensure that they are properly covered. If you are starting a home inventory from scratch, the NAIC's free smartphone app, myHOME Scr.APP.book, takes some of the headache out of the process. Download the app from iTunes or Google Play. You can also download a paper version here.   Now that you have opened all your gifts, remember to add them to your home inventory, too. Include as many details as you can and take a photo of each item. Most basic home insurance policies have standard limits for big-ticket items like electronics, art, jewelry or sporting equipment. You may need special coverage, so be sure to call your agent as soon as possible to discuss changes for your policy.   If you want to review your insurance policy or declarations page before talking with your agent, take a look at this consumer alert to help understand the terminology.   Auto Insurance Winter can be a challenge for all drivers. Whether you are trying to escape the weather for someplace warmer or just preparing for the first drive to work in the snow, there are a few insurance items you should review.   To make sure you are winter-ready, check your auto insurance policy. Here is a quick reference on how to read your declarations page.   Make sure your coverage is appropriate for your life situation. Liability is the part of the policy that pays for any injury or damage if you cause an accident. If your liability insurance is too low, it is possible that you could be sued for any damages above your liability limits.   Also take a look at your deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. This is the amount you will pay if your car is damaged or totaled without fault of another driver. Raising or lowering this amount can affect your premium.   Before hitting the road, make sure you have a copy of your insurance card and your insurance agent or company's number in the car. It is also a good idea to have a way to record details of an accident if you are in one. The NAIC smartphone application WreckCheck walks you through the process of gathering information following an accident. You can then email your notes directly to your agent. Download the free app from iTunes or Google Play.   Health Insurance Many families recently went through the open enrollment process for their health insurance at work or Medicare Open Enrollment, which means you may have new insurance cards and paperwork coming in the mail. It is a good idea to get all this information together before winter illness or accidents happen.   Make sure to check your provider lists to verify visits to your doctor and any specialists are still covered by your policy, as in-network or preferred provider lists change from year to year. Also read through your documents and make note of your copays for in-network and out-of-network providers so you are not surprised later.   When you're planning a vacation away from home, check with your insurance carrier to identify urgent care centers and hospitals that accept your insurance coverage near your destination and along the way. Be sure to ask your carrier about applicable co-pays and deductibles if care is needed.   Click here for the explanation of some of the terms you may find on your health insurance paper work.

From all of us at the Boccarossa Insurance Agency!

Distracted Driving

Mental Distractions Behind the Wheel Are Real and Dangerous

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety partnered with researchers at the University of Utah to conduct groundbreaking research on mental distraction, also known as cognitive distraction, demonstrating that hands-free technologies in the car dangerously divert motorist attention.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT WE KNOWMental distractions dangerously affect drivers behind the wheel.  Just because a driver’s eyes are on the road and hands are on the wheel does not mean they are safe – hands-free is not risk-free.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT IT MEANSAttention is key to safe driving, yet many technologies cause drivers to lose focus of the road ahead. Hands-free features, increasingly common in new vehicles, create mental distractions that unintentionally provide motorists with a false sense of security about their safety behind the wheel.

 

MENTAL DISTRACTION – WHAT IS AAA DOINGAAA is dedicated to promoting road safety and reducing driver distraction through research, public education and collaboration with automakers to reduce the impact of mental distraction.

 

 

Winter Driving Tips

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA club for more information.

 

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

 

Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.

Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

Make certain your tires are properly inflated.

Never mix radial tires with other tire types.

Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.

Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Always look and steer where you want to go.

Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

 

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Connecticut is only state enrolling more in private insurance than Medicaid under Obamacare

Connecticut is the only state in the country in which more people have applied for private coverage than Medicaid through the health insurance exchange, an exchange official said Tuesday.

 

James Wadleigh, Access Health CT’s chief information officer, said the state’s exchange has taken more than 11,000 applications for individual and small-business coverage. About 6,000 are for private insurance customers, and about 4,700 will receive Medicaid.

 

As part of the health law commonly known as Obamacare, the Medicaid program in Connecticut and many other states will expand Jan. 1 to cover more adults without minor children. In addition, exchanges like Access Health are selling private insurance plans that, for many people, are expected to come with discounted premiums, subsidized by the federal government.

 

A major reason for Connecticut’s unique balance of applicants, Wadleigh said, is that the state began expanding Medicaid in 2010, shortly after the health law passed. That means fewer people are becoming eligible for Medicaid in Connecticut than in other states.

 

Connecticut currently provides Medicaid coverage to adults without minor children earning up to 56 percent of the poverty level. As of Jan. 1, that level will rise to 138 percent. Officials expect that will add between 55,000 and 60,000 more people to the program. (For adults with minor children, the income limit for Medicaid is already higher, and that will remain largely unchanged.)

 

Wadleigh reported the state’s enrollment trends during a meeting Tuesday morning of the state’s Health Care Cabinet.

 

Of the private insurance customers so far, 27 percent have selected “gold” plans, which have the highest premiums but pay the highest share of members’ medical costs. The majority, 55 percent, have selected the midlevel “silver” plans, while 16 percent have chosen “bronze” plans, which have the cheapest premiums available to most customers but leave them with higher expenses if they seek medical care.

 

Two percent of the customers chose catastrophic plans, which are available to people under 30 and carry low premiums but high out-of-pocket costs for most medical care.

 

Wadleigh said that of the people signing up for coverage, 19 percent are between ages 18 and 34. He did not say whether that referred to people signing up for Medicaid and private insurance, or just private insurance. Figures released last month showed that most of the young enrollees were signing up for Medicaid.

 

Access Health also provides coverage options for small businesses, but that portion of the exchange’s activity has been smaller than expected, Wadleigh said.

 

People can sign up for private insurance through Access Health through March 31, but the deadline for getting coverage that begins Jan. 1 is Dec. 15. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman asked whether there has been talk of extending the application deadline for getting coverage that takes effect Jan. 1. Wadleigh said there has been talk of doing that, including during a conference call with the White House last week, but said there's been nothing definitive.

From All of Us at The Boccarossa Insurance Agency...

 

11 Travel Tips for Thanksgiving

With winter weather, freezing temperatures and rain forecasted for much of the country and more than 43 million Americans expected to be on the roads this week, the American Red Cross offers tips to help Thanksgiving travelers arrive safely at their destination:

AUTOMOBILES

 

1. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels before you get on the road. Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

 

2. If winter weather is present, bring pets/companion animals inside before you leave the house.

 

3. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Fill your gas tank, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.

 

4. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drink and drive, or text and drive.

 

5. Make frequent stops on long trips. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and rest.

 

6. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

PLANES & TRAINS

 

1. It’s flu season. If you’ve been sick or been in contact with someone who is sick, consider postponing your trip. You could be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.

 

2. Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

 

3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.

 

4. Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.

 

5. Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

 

BONUS TIP

Download the American Red Cross First Aid App. The app provides users with quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.

Your guide to Obamacare: Frequently asked questions about the Affordable Care Act

This FAQ provides expert answers to the key issues about exchanges, enrollment and more.

Americans have many questions about Obamacare. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the exchanges.

 

Q. Who can buy on the marketplace? Can I buy on the exchange even if I am not eligible for subsidies?

A. The exchange can be used by individuals, families and small business owners who have 50 or fewer employees.

Q. If I have insurance from my employer, do I have to do anything?

A. You don't have to, but if you choose to do so, you can drop your employer's coverage and buy a plan from the exchange.

Keep in mind, depending on the type of employment coverage available to you, you might not qualify for certain savings offered by the exchanges.

Q. Can I buy insurance through the marketplace if I already have a serious health problem?

A. Yes. The amount you pay for a health plan will not be affected by your health status.
This means that you can't be charged more because of your health problem.

RELATED: YOUR GUIDE TO OBAMACARE: AFFORDABLE CARE ACT TO OPEN OCT. 1
It also means you will not have to wait to get the coverage you need.

Q. If I have Medicare, can I purchase a plan on the exchange?

A. Yes, but you can't get help paying for it.
Also, getting extra coverage on the exchange may not make sense.
That's because Medicare will be your main coverage, but you would still have to pay for a full health plan at New York State of Health.

Talk about this with an exchange helper to figure out the right strategy for you.

Q. Some groups are exempt from being required to have coverage. Who are they?

A. The categories include people who would have to pay more than 8% of their income for health insurance, people with incomes below the threshold required for filing taxes, those who qualify for religious exemptions, members of Indian tribes, undocumented immigrants, and people who are incarcerated.

SMOKE ALARM SAFETY TIPS

               

Smoke alarms save lives. Almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 year old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
• Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
• If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
• An ionization alarm with a hush button or a photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights. Vibration devices can be added to these alarms
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Download these NFPA safety tips on smoke alarms (PDF, 219 KB).

Top Best Auto Insurance Firms – Ranking, Claims Dependability, Reviews

Below is MarketConsensus’ 2013 list of the top rated Auto Insurance firms. We started out with a more comprehensive list of over 28 car / auto insurance companies. After applying various criteria (customer rankings, pricing, dependability and ease of claims) we were able to narrow the list down to the below top best insurance companies.

 

Dependability when it comes to paying out claims was a big criteria in our selection of the top insurance firms. Consumers make monthly payments (premiums) with the expectation of getting their claims paid in the event of an accident. However, a simple Google search reveals many consumer complaints about insurance companies that were not dependable when it came time to pay a claim.

 

See Also: 2013’s Biggest Stock Gainers (Rising over 100%)

 

A top rated insurance company should not only be dependable in handling claims, but should provide a quick and painless claim process, support you in scheduling an appraisal, and work with you to have your vehicle repaired and restored in a timely manner.

 

List of the Top Rated Best Insurance Firms

 
1. Nationwide
2. Geico
3. Liberty Mutual
4. Progressive

Other top insurance firms include: Esurance, State Farm, Allstate, and USAA.

 

Click HERE to read the Overview of the Best Ranked Insurance Firms

Rising Flood Insurance Rates Take Effect Amid Government Shutdown

Land-owners in low-lying flood zones were dealt a huge blow on. Oct. 1, as current law is letting National Flood Insurance rates rise as high as 25-percent a year over the next five years, unless the government moves on the law it passed last year. Despite the lapse of the new rates, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators and Reps, including members of Louisiana's delegation, has pledged to continue to fight for lower flood insurance rates.

Flood insurance for Louisiana homeowners (and many other areas in the Gulf states) is simply a fact of life. But as the increase of incident continues to rise, the costs associated with repairing and reimbursing for flood damage has gone up. So says the numbers compiled by the Government, and indirectly led to the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act, passed last year.

"After 45 years, flood risks continue and the costs and consequences of flooding are increasing dramatically," says the FEMA fact sheet on the 2012 legislation. "[So] In 2012, Congress passed [Biggert-Waters Act] which calls on FEMA to make a number of changes to the way the NFIP is managed...Key provisions of the legislation will require the NFIP to raise rates to reflect true flood risk, make the program more financially stable, and change how FIRM updates impact policyholders."

 

These updates have come up often over the last year, as Louisiana and other federal legislators have fought to reign in those rates, mostly with success. But now the fight over flood insurance rates stalled right along with the budget bill that wrought the current government shutdown, meaning that many homeowners could see their rates continue to rise by as much as 25-percent per year, until the newly calculated risk is met.

Louisiana finds both Sen. Mary Landrieu and Sen. David Vitter looking to recalculate the risk, and more importantly, the out of pocket expense for homeowners of the region.

"Our message is very clear today: The government may be in the process of shutting down, but my colleagues and I have our eyes on finding a solution for the five-million Americans—and almost 500,000 Louisianians—who have flood insurance policies that are facing significant rate increases today," said Sen. Landrieu at a press conference held this week. "Our flood insurance program is not functioning the way it should and is putting a great number of people at risk."

Landrieu pointed out that this problem was manufactured by Congress—and partly by the FEMA elevated flood zones–and that is needs to be fixed by Congress.

"My colleagues and I are working very hard and across party lines to find a solution. Whatever solution we find and agree to, we want to make it retroactive to help homeowners who are facing rate increases today. They should not be punished because Congress has not fixed this problem."

Did You Know...

FRACKING DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED

 

 

This article was released in 2012:

 

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. has become the first major insurance company to say it won't cover damage related to a gas drilling process that blasts chemical-laden water deep into the ground.

 

The Columbus, Ohio-based company's personal and commercial policies "were not designed to cover" risk from the drilling process, called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, Nationwide spokeswoman Nancy Smeltzer said Thursday.

 

The process injects chemically treated water into wells to fracture shale thousands of feet underground and release trapped gas or oil. There are rich shale deposits in parts of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and elsewhere.

 

Health and environmental groups claim fracking can contaminate drinking water. The gas industry says it's safe if done properly. Nationwide said risks involved in fracking operations "are too great to ignore" and apply to policies of commercial contractors and landowners who lease property to gas companies.

 

The Nationwide policy first came to light when an internal memo detailing underwriting guidelines was posted on websites of upstate New York anti-fracking groups and landowner coalitions seeking gas leases. Smeltzer confirmed that the memo was genuine but said it wasn't intended for public dissemination.

 

The memo reads: "After months of research and discussion, we have determined that the exposures presented by hydraulic fracturing are too great to ignore. Risks involved with hydraulic fracturing are now prohibited for General Liability, Commercial Auto, Motor Truck Cargo, Auto Physical Damage and Public Auto (insurance) coverage."

 

It said "prohibited risks" apply to landowners who lease land for shale gas drilling and contractors involved in fracking operations, including those who haul water to and from drill sites; pipe and lumber haulers; and operators of bulldozers, dump trucks and other vehicles used in drill site preparation.

A spokesman for a research and outreach program of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, whose members drill most of the nation's oil and gas wells, said nothing in what Nationwide said represented a change in policy for the company. Simon Lomax, the research director for Energy In Depth, said insurers don't sell products specific to individual steps of the oil and gas development process.

 

"But practical implications aside, the fact that the company would send out a statement this reckless, and this uninformed, should tell us a lot," Lomax said in an emailed statement. "For starters, it tells me that I won't be buying home and car insurance from this company."

 

Opponents of fracking point to some highly publicized accidents that resulted in contamination.

 

In late 2010, Houston-based driller Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. settled for $4.1 million with residents of Dimock, Pa., over gas found in their water. State environmental regulators determined Cabot contaminated the aquifer underneath homes with explosive levels of methane. A Cabot spokesman said levels of contaminants found didn't pose a threat to human health or the environment.

 

Jeffrey Hanneman, the Texas-based director of environmental practice at the insurance broker Aon Risk Solutions, said the Nationwide move was "really unique" and he doesn't expect it will be the beginning of a trend.

 

"To date, all we've seen are some that were hesitant to write environmental coverage," Hanneman said. "But the Nationwide is sort of a broader ban on all the ancillary services related to it (fracking)."

 

Hanneman noted that there haven't been any substantial claims that targeted companies other than those that own and operate the wells or the contractors who do the drilling. And even those claims have been few and far between.

 

He said one factor that may be driving Nationwide's decision is that increasing publicity — much of it negative — surrounding fracking makes it possible that any damage claims would go beyond the big oil and gas companies to include the hundreds of supporting businesses such as haulers.

 

Mike Elmendorf, president of the general contractors' group Associated General Contractors of New York State, said the Nationwide decision was unwelcome news for his members who do work for the gas industry and was not based on facts.

 

With a record of shale gas development having been done safely, "it is hard to fathom the rationale for this decision," Elmendorf said. "It would seem Nationwide is not on job creation's side."

UNDERSTANDING YOUR INSURANCE POLICY

Let's face it, reading your insurance policy is not like curling up with a good book. It's a fairly complex document that tries to explain all the things you're covered for, and all the things that are excluded when a loss occurs.

 

Luckily, many companies now provide insurance policy information that is easier to understand, but you still need to review the document carefully. Here are some general guidelines that can help explain how to read an insurance policy.

 

The common parts of an insurance policy include:

• Policy declarations – The declarations page is basically the first page of the policy package. The page states who is insured and the time period the policy provides coverage. It also gives the primary general information, such as a description of what’s insured, the coverages and primary coverage limits.
 
• Definitions – This section gives you the definitions of words and phrases you’ll see in the policy. For example: “Motor vehicle” and “Deductible” are two terms often found in an auto policy. Words with definitions may appear in bold print throughout the policy. That helps you know what to look up if you don’t know them already.

• Policy coverages – This section describes the specific insurance provided by listing what property is covered and for what perils. For example, a boat owner's policy may cover direct physical loss or damage to the boat and motor, portable equipment and other specified property. It can also provide liability coverage.

• Policy exclusions describe what coverage limits exist or how coverage may be eliminated depending on how a loss occurs. Insurers may allow policyholders to buy back coverage for some exclusions for additional premium. For example, earthquake coverage may be excluded for people who live in an area where earthquakes are unlikely to happen. However, if a customer would feel more comfortable with the coverage, they could buy it back.

• Limits and special limits – This section explains how much the insurer pays for particular losses or types of property. So, while something is covered, it may be covered for a specific dollar amount or for a limited percentage of the entire loss.
• Conditions – This section tells you what the insurer’s responsibilities are, and what your responsibilities are as the customer. This includes how to cancel a policy, subrogation and payments plans.

• Duties after a loss – This area gives guidance on what to do when a loss occurs. It includes notifying your insurer as soon as practical, notifying the police, if appropriate, and protecting your property from further damage.

• Endorsements – This area defines optional coverages available for additional premium. Endorsements change your policy to help better fit the policy to meet your needs. Amendatory endorsements may also be added by the insurance company to clarify policy terms and language.
 

Insurance terms, definitions and explanations are intended for informational purposes only and do not in any way replace or modify the definitions and information contained in individual insurance contracts, policies or declaration pages, which control coverage determinations. Such terms may vary by state, and exclusions may apply.

Nationwide Reaffirms Support for Active Military

 

Nationwide and the brave men and women who serve in various branches of the military share a common connection–we both serve a noble purpose. Members of the military are charged with the responsibility of protecting lives and Nationwide is responsible for protecting what’s most important in the lives of our members. During a special ceremony on July 12, Nationwide CEO Steve Rasmussen signed a Statement of Support reaffirming Nationwide’s commitment to support associates who are called to active duty.

 

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support is a pledge employers make to show they support employees in the important activities required as part of their mission to serve their country as members of the National Guard and Reserve. Nationwide believes the unique skills and experiences that members of the military and veterans have add value to Nationwide and for its members.

 

“Supportive employers like the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and Reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind,” said Tom Bullock, ESGR Chief of Employer Outreach. “By signing this Statement of Support, Nationwide sends a clear message that they stand committed to their military employees and recognize the integrity, global perspective and proven leadership they bring to the workplace.”

 

Several Nationwide associates who currently serve in the military or are veterans attended the event. Tony Hall, a heavy equipment operator in the Army and a member care representative at Nationwide, said, “I like that Nationwide recognizes military people—even when you don’t realize it because they aren’t in uniform.”

 

Military service is just another way Nationwide associates bring the On Your Side® promise to life.

 

“Our associates who serve in the military have made a tremendous commitment to protect our country,” said Rasmussen. “At Nationwide, we believe it is important to continue to hire and support their efforts on behalf of our country and our company.”

 

Working for Nationwide

 

Nationwide has always been a company that values people.

 

And Nationwide’s commitment to those serving in the military isn’t new. In fact, Nationwide traces its support of associates in active duty to World War II—a time when hundreds of its associates joined the military.

 

While they were overseas, the company set up a physical location in the headquarters lobby where associates could go to send letters of encouragement to their co-workers in the military.

 

One of the letters came from Murray D. Lincoln, the President of the Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Companies (later renamed Nationwide). Lincoln sent a letter to each of the deployed associates that said, “You are doing a great job and we are proud of you. The Farm Bureau cheerfully accepts the responsibility of providing jobs for you to return to should you desire to do so.”

 

Nationwide continues its commitment to recruiting veterans, supporting the important work they do while employed and by helping to ease the transition to civilian life.

 

Hall offers advice for veterans looking to enter the workforce in the insurance industry, “Use the skills you already have. The values that are instilled through military experience provide a great foundation for moving forward with a career in insurance.”

 

Visit our Veterans Careers page to search for job opportunities for veterans.

Should You Downsize Your Home for Retirement?

 

When the kids left for college, you had big dreams for their unoccupied bedrooms. Your daughter’s room had potential to become the art studio you’ve always wanted. And your son’s room? Say Namaste to your new yoga studio. Now, as you look back, you realize those rooms have barely changed. So moving toward retirement, you’re starting to wonder if you really need all the extra space. To help you make educated decisions about your retirement options, here are four things to consider as you decide if downsizing is the right choice for you:

 

1. Location

 

The first step is deciding where you’d like to move. Consider these things:

• Where are your children/grandchildren living?
• Where are your friends spending their retirement?
• Do you like to travel a lot or do you prefer to stay close to home?

 

2. Lifestyle

 

Consider the impact that a move will have on your quality of life, particularly your social life:

• If you’re thinking of moving far, does your new community have clubs and organizations to help you get involved?
• Consider your hobbies and interests. Are you moving to a place where you’ll be able to do the things you enjoy?

 

3. Finances

 

It’s important to understand that selling your home and moving into a smaller one doesn’t promise financial stability in retirement. Assemble these costs into a spreadsheet for your current home and a few homes in areas you’d like to move to get a good sense of how your expenses would change:

• Mortgage payments (this mortgage calculator can help)
• Utility costs
• Maintenance and upkeep
• Property tax
• Home insurance costs
• Cost of living expenses

 

4. Emotional needs

 

Finally, don’t discount your emotional attachment to your home. After all, it is where you raised your children. Your practical side (and your financial advisor) might be telling you that moving is a financially responsible decision. But if you think moving will make you unhappy, it’s worth discussing with your financial advisor to see if there are other options that could keep you in your home.

 

Deciding whether to downsize in retirement is a big question that is best answered after a lot of research, advice (seek out your financial, tax and legal advisors) and careful planning. What other things are you considering as you decide if downsizing is the right move for you?

Changing a Flat Tire 101

 

When you experience car trouble, it’s nice to know that help is most often just a phone call away. But a little education about some basic car maintenance and repair will go a long way if you’re ever caught in a tricky situation. Flat tires are a common roadside problem. Unfortunately, since you can’t do much to prevent a flat tire in most situations, they always seem to “pop” up when you have somewhere important to be. The good news is, if you know the basics of how to change a tire, a flat won’t slow you down for long. Follow these six easy steps to change a flat tire and get back on the road in a flash:

 

1. Prepare your car

 

Find a safe, flat area to pull over and change your tire. Try to move away from the flow of traffic. Then, gather the proper equipment. You’ll need a car jack, a lug wrench and a spare tire. Remember, safety comes first. It’s a good idea to consider Roadside Assistance coverage to be prepared for situations like this.

 

2. Loosen the lug nuts

 

Remove the hubcap to reveal the lug nuts. These are what secure the wheel to your car. Use the lug wrench to loosen them, but don’t remove the lug nuts completely.

 

3. Jack up the car

 

Place the jack under the car. If you’re new to this, you’ll want to refer to the owner’s manual, which will indicate correct placement of the jack. Once in place, crank the jack to support (but not lift) the corner of the vehicle where you’re changing the tire.

 

 4. Remove the flat

 

With the jack in place, remove the lug nuts completely and slide the flat tire off. Put the lug nuts in a secure place like your pocket or in an empty cup to make sure they don’t roll away.

 

5. Line up the spare

 

Line up the spare tire with the lug-nut holes. Then, replace the lug nuts, tightening with your hand until you feel resistance.

 

6. Lower the jack

 

Once the lug nuts are back in place, lower the jack, shifting the weight back to the tire. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts securely. Remember, this is what’s holding the tire to your car, so it’s important to tighten the lug nuts as snugly as you can.

 

Though flat tires are the most common cause of roadside trouble, it’s important to have the right tools at hand to get you back on the road in a variety of situations. Check out this post for more tips to be prepared for a roadside emergency.

Tips From A Nationwide Expert

Get tips from a Nationwide Expert on how to:

PREVENT HOME BURGLARY WHILE ON VACATION

Click the link to view the slideshow provided by the Nationwide Blog and read the helpful tips on how to prevent a break-in while you're away.

Redeem the Dream: Nationwide Joins National Urban League for Annual Conference

 

This summer marked the 50th anniversary of the historic “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,” when Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.

 

To celebrate this important anniversary, business community leaders, policymakers and newsmakers are asked to answer the call to action, “Redeem the Dream,” at the National Urban League’s annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For the fourth consecutive year, Nationwide returns to connect with the attendees at this conference– it’s part of what the On Your Side® promise is all about.

 

Ways you can connect

Online

Visit www.iamempowered.com, a site sponsored by Nationwide that houses important news and information about the National Urban League’s 2025 Empowerment Goals focused on jobs, health, housing and education.

 

Also on the site, Nationwide provides free financial tools for:

• Retirement planning
• Small business insurance plans
• Family financial planning.

 

Meet our recruiters

Get your resume ready! At the Expo Center and Career Fair, Nationwide recruiters will be onsite looking to fill these positions in our Harleysville office and other office locations throughout the enterprise:

• Customer Service
• Underwriting
• Claims
• Actuarial
• IT

The Expo Center and Career Fair are open to the public. Visit booth # CF210 at the Convention Center or go to www.nationwide.com/careers for more information on how to join the Nationwide family.

Conference seminars

Attendees can check out these seminars sponsored by Nationwide:

• Saving Our Sons: Resiliency & Wellness
• Saving Our Sisters: Expanding Preventative Care
• Family Session

 

Visit iamempowered.com to pledge your support of the “I Am Empowered” goals in housing, jobs, health and education.

Back-To-School Insurance?

For many families preparing to send their sons and daughters to college this September, the cost of tuition is an investment that is second in size only to a home mortgage. A four-year undergraduate program now averages between $15,213 and $35,636 for one year.

 

And yet, according to a 2009 study by Student Monitor, 27 percent of students (or someone they know) had to withdraw from college mid-semester due to health issues or a death in the family. Until now, tuition insurance was typically available only at select private colleges and universities.

 

A first-ever national group policy from GradGuard ™, a service of Next Generation Insurance (NGI) Group, LLC. marks the first time that tuition insurance is available to any student enrolled in an accredited higher education institution across the country.

 

Parents may mistakenly believe that colleges refund tuition in the case of unexpected illness, injury or even death. In fact, the organization known as College Parents of America reports that most colleges and universities do not provide a full refund if a student is forced to withdraw from school for medical reasons. Through GradGuard, all parents and students now have the opportunity to protect their investment in education.

 

The GradGuard plan is available to students nationwide and covers verifiable losses connected to the cost of attendance. This includes not only the loss of non-refunded tuition payments, but also academic fees, room and board, books and travel to and from the academic program.

 

Send a student back to school? GradGuard also offers a Student Protection Plan ™, a bundle of insurance and lifestyle benefits designed to protect college students including emergency medical evacuation insurance, identity theft protection and resolution services, and protection for their personal computers.

 

To get a Term Life Insurance Quote or Research how to Buy Life Insurance Online visit Efinancial.com

Cowboys Announce Partnership With Nationwide Insurance

IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys and Nationwide Insurance announced a new partnership, which will officially begin when Nationwide sponsors the Aug. 24 preseason game at Cowboys Stadium against the Bengals.

Owner/general manager Jerry Jones sat next to Nationwide chief marketing officer Matt Jauchius and defensive end DeMarcus Ware to announce the partnership Tuesday at Valley Ranch.

“We’ve got a lot in common,” Jones said. “They don’t have any stockholders. Their stockholders, in a matter of speaking, are their customers, their fans, and so that’s what they appeal to. It’s a real privilege and an honor for Nationwide to take their initial foray into football and the NFL and do it with the Dallas Cowboys.”

In addition to the Bengals game, Nationwide will also be active in the Game Day Plaza at three additional home games and will introduce a fan promotion at the beginning of the season.

 

“A lot of what we’re going to do is really show our presence in that first game,” Jauchius said. “We were so impressed when we got to tour Cowboys Stadium and see all the assets there. What you really want to do is have your brand presence felt.”

Jauchius said the Cowboys are a first-rate, first-class professional organization that strives to be the best in everything they do, and that’s also what Nationwide is about.

“This is a sports marketing platform and franchise and opportunity like none other,” Jauchius said. “But I want to emphasize what Jerry said as well, the affinity and partnership between our organizations and what we stand for is very strong.”

In addition to singing the, “Nationwide is on your side” jingle, Ware, who sat next to Jauchius, explained why he decided to become a member of Nationwide Insurance and sign a personal services agreement with the company.

“All season long, you’re going to see me telling Dallas Cowboys fans all the benefits of Nationwide,” he said. “Nationwide has really good rates. That’s the first thing that attracted me to them. But as you get older and you mature a little bit and you sort of make a name for yourself and have the star behind your name, it really means a lot and has a lot of clout that goes with that. Companies know if they get associated with that, their rapport ups a little bit, too, and their reputability heightens a little bit.”

Nationwide Insurance incorporates sports sponsorships into its marketing mix to build awareness, consideration and relationships with fans. Many of the company’s sports sponsorships are designed to raise funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In six years, Nationwide Insurance’s sports sponsorships have generated more than $6 million to support research and patient care at the hospital.