You Just Got Sued For A Social Media Post

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

A Texas jury has awarded a wedding photographer more than $1 million after determining a newly married couple unhappy with her work launched a social media campaign to post falsehoods about her. The Dallas County jury found Friday that the campaign against Andrea Polito amounted to defamation. The jury unanimously found the couple acted of out malice in targeting Polito in the months after their October 2014 wedding. (AP) Read article.

Does Your Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Social Media?

Social media has changed how we communicate with family and friends. Technology has made it so that anyone can have their voice heard and their comments recorded for posterity.  Among the greatest contributors to this revolution are your teenagers…and you can be held responsible for their actions.

What Kind Of Personal Insurance Claim Can Come From A Social Media Post?

Recently, a 16-year-old student sued five classmates and their parents for online harassment. Whether or not the allegations are true, the teenagers and their parents required legal resources to defend themselves for the possible judgments against them.

What Does Homeowner’s Insurance Provide?

Most people assume their homeowner’s insurance will cover any kind of claim that comes from social media content. However, you need to have personal injury coverage as part of your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you bought your insurance online you may not have this coverage.

Personal Injury coverage is an optional endorsement on the standard homeowner’s policy that provides protection for libel, slander, defamation of character, false arrest, malicious prosecution, and wrongful eviction. This coverage is also provided by most umbrella policies.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

Can “Do It Yourself” Projects Jeopardize Your insurance?

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

A personal Insurance Update

Many people are remodeling their homes these days.  However, before you jump into a project, you might consider the following home insurance issues.  Most homeowner’s policies are based on a value of your home that fluctuates based on the “like kind and quality” that existed when the policy was first placed.

Many home improvement projects increase your home’s value, and should be added to your current replacement value.

  • If your DIY project requires a permit and you fail to get one, your homeowner’s insurance may be in jeopardy. For example, if you install a wood stove but fail to get a permit and have a licensed contractor complete the work, your insurer would automatically deny any resulting claims most of the time.
  • Your homeowner’s insurance covers third party injuries. It does not cover injury to you or members of your household.
  • Here are a few examples of DIY projects that will have an impact on your insurance: Outdoor living spaces, pools, upgraded kitchens or baths, room additions, and storage sheds.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

Summer Can Be Risky for Everyone

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Safety.

A Personal Insurance and Safety update

Summertime means more of us are heading to the pool, lake, ocean, or river to relax and have fun.  Unfortunately, these activities can lead to accidents and injury.  Summer also brings increases in heat related illness and teen driving accidents, according to PC260.com.

It is also important to have a personal insurance review to make sure all your summer activities are covered.  For example, if you have purchased a boat, you may need a separate watercraft policy.  In addition, if you have installed a pool you will need to add that risk to your homeowner’s policy.  We want you to have an enjoyable and safe summer, so here are some reminders about summertime safety.

Some of the Top Summer Risks

  • River water can be very cold, especially as the early snowmelt flows downriver. Even if it is 100 degrees outside, the river water temperatures can be very cold.
  • If you are planning foreign travel, remember to check travel advisories. Also, be sure you have all your medical issues managed correctly.  Check with your health insurer, as many will not provide coverage in foreign countries.
  • Don’t forget your pets. Summer heat can affect your pets, so make sure they are not left in vehicles or in homes during long heat waves.
  • When you are on the water, do not mix drinking and water craft driving. Verify that you have life vests for everyone and keep life vests on all children all the time.
  • Heat stress is one of the most common illnesses during summertime. The risk of getting skin cancer is much higher among people who sunbathe, and especially those who have experienced multiple sunburns.
  • Barbecues and fire related risks increase during the summer. Always keep children away for open fires, and keep barbecues away from buildings.
  • When riding your bike we recommend you always use a helmet.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

How To Insurance Your RV

Posted under Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance.

Now is the perfect time to have your Recreational Vehicle (RV) insurance reviewed.  Your RV insurance may need updating because of new laws and coverages.  Having the right RV insurance can mean the difference between a great vacation and bad vacation.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage, also known as “property damage/bodily injury” insurance, can help cover expenses from damaging a vehicle or injuring a person in an accident.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if you hit another vehicle, another vehicle hits you, or your vehicle rolls over.  Collision coverage can be required if your vehicle is financed or leased.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance helps pay for damage to your vehicle not caused by collision.  Examples include damage or loss due to theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, storms, and flood.

Uninsured or Underinsured Coverage

This coverage helps pay for repairs if your RV is damaged in an accident by an underinsured, uninsured, or unidentified driver.  It also helps pay medical costs.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage helps pay medical costs for you and your passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

This coverage helps pay for your rental car or other transportation if your RV cannot be driven due to an at-fault accident or comprehensive claim.  This is important, especially if you are out of town.

Towing and Labor Coverage

Towing and labor coverage reimburses you for towing charges if an insured vehicle is disabled.  It also covers on-site assistance, such as battery jump-start, tire change, and locksmith services.  We recommend this on all recreation vehicles.

With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We have established relationships with some of the top carriers in the industry including Travelers, Allied, Kemper, Encompass, Progressive and many others.

Read This Before You Start Your Home Improvement Project

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements.

A Home Insurance Update

You may be looking for ways to improve your home. Perhaps you want to upgrade your kitchen, replace a leaky roof, or add on that sunroom you have always wanted.  Before you get started, however, you’ll want to know how that remodeling project can affect your insurance needs.

Update Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Whether you’re updating your kitchen or adding on another room, a remodeling project will likely add value to your home. As a result, you’ll want to check the property coverage limits on your homeowner’s policy to make sure that they reflect any changes you make to your home, no matter how small or large the improvements may be. Conversely, some upgrades may trigger lower premiums savings you do not want to miss, simply because you did not call your agent.

If you are adding an addition to your house, you will want the addition specifically mentioned in your policy.  If it is not, your insurance company may not provide coverage for damages that occur to the new room.  On the other hand, if you are just replacing your deck with the same materials, you most likely will not have any increase in your home value.

If you hire someone to do the remodeling, you’ll want to make sure that he or she is properly insured. Any contractor that you hire should have a certificate of coverage for both workers’ compensation and contractor’s liability insurance.

Workers’ compensation coverage protects you from liability claims that can result from a contractor (or their employees) getting hurt on the job.  Contractor’s liability insurance provides coverage for damages to your property caused by the contractor during remodeling.

At Innovative Insurance we believe our greatest asset is the relationships we build with our clients and we are dedicated to being the right choice for all of your insurance and financial needs. We take pride in our ability to tailor a comprehensive insurance package that maximizes your insurance protection while minimizing money out of your pocket.

 

Insurable Risks Derived From Growing Businesses

Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements, Workers Compensation.

A business insurance review

Recently, small business owners were surveyed to help identify some of the top risks they faced when growing their businesses.  Many small business owners are unaware of the new, and increased, risks that come with growth.  For example, many business owners erroneously think that a claim is not covered, so they fail to file the claim.  A leading commercial insurer has identified the top five most costly business insurance claims.

Leading losses for small businesses and the average claim cost

  • Reputational harm: $50,000
  • Vehicle accident: $45,000
  • Fire damage: $35,000
  • Product liability: $35,000
  • Customer injury or property damage: $30,000

New and growing risks faced by expanding businesses

As your business grows, your risks change.  It is beneficial for business owners to have an understanding of how risks change because of growth.

  • Contract disputes increase. Growing businesses often develop relationships without written agreements, resulting in disputes.
  • Increased employee litigation. When businesses hire new people, often they overlook proper hiring practices. This often leads to litigation.  Make sure your business has an employment practices liability policy.
  • Increase in worker injuries. A greater workload leads to increased hours and the possibility of employee injury.  Your workers’ compensation policy will cover work related injuries.
  • Building damage. Often, growing businesses fail to pay attention to building maintenance, which can lead to all kinds of damage. Read your property policy to make sure you do not void your coverage through lack of attention to safety issues.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business.

Source for article: PC360.com

Update Your Home and Business Insurance To 3.0

Posted under Commercial Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

An Insurance Update

Advancement in technology minimizes your risk and lowers your cost of business insurance.  Your insurance is part of a new wave of technology that is taking the country by storm.  The insurance industry calls this the “Internet of Things” (loT).  There are many good articles relating to this issue and we have provided a few links: The Internet of Things: Groundbreaking Tech with Security Risks and Insurance 2.0 is a Game Changer.

The ways in which technology helps your business can be defined by one word, “Connectivity.”  We are all connected in so many ways now, and this can help reduce your risk.  “For example, the sensors in smartphones and smartwatch devices are already helping healthcare providers to diagnose illnesses and monitor wellbeing.  Black box telematics in cars can assist insurers in informing policyholders how safe their driving is and helping shape their insurance rates.”  (www.welivesecurity.com, by Editor.

Ways in Which loT Helps You

  • Smart devices are connecting your homes in dozens of ways, including home security, heating, lights, and appliances. These allow you to manage your home from anywhere, and detect a fire or other hazard.
  • Automated claims systems are able to help your business analyze employee injuries, which leads to the development of advanced safety programs.
  • Using smart vehicles allows employers to monitor commercial drivers, which can lead to safer drivers.
  • Parents are able to use smart devices in personal autos to monitor teen drivers. Some auto insurance companies are offering these devices as an incentive to lower premiums based on actual driving indicators.

We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business.

March Madness Is Not Over

Posted under Auto Insurance, Commercial Insurance, Homeowner’s Insurance, Life Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance.

A Insurance Review

March is over and we spent the while month watching 64 college basketball teams play to the final four, then to the championship game.  Congratulations to North Carolina! These can impact your business insurance and personal insurance programs. The entire thing reminded us of some insurance madness. We thought we would share with you our “insurance madness final four.”

Insurance Madness Final Four

  1. Always use an independent agent. Independent agents will search the market for the best possible insurance designed for your family or business. Independents agent do not work for an insurance company, they represent you and look out after your interests first.
  2. Never buy insurance online. When you buy insurance online you never know if you are getting the best combination of coverage, price, and service. However, you do find out when you have an uninsured claim.
  3. Always consider deductible options. A simple way to save money is to consider increasing your deductible on your auto insurance, home insurance, or even your business insurance.
  4. Many people don’t consider these coverage’s but they should
    1. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States. Every homeowner should consider identity theft coverage.
    2. A personal umbrella can offer additional protection for those who own a home or have personal assets worth protecting.
    3. Your business might be at risk if you do not have cyber liability or employment practices liability.

All these coverage’s are easy to add to your business insurance program.

Do you need a homeowner’s insurance quote?  Talk to us today about keeping your home and family protected. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

 

Is Your Home Safe?

Posted under Homeowner’s Insurance, News and Announcements, Personal Insurance, Safety.

A Personal Insurance and Safety Update

Home safety is very important to all homeowners. You want your home to be a place where family and friends can live and play without the risk of injury or accidents. You buy homeowner’s insurance to cover accidents and losses that may occur, and that is a good thing.  A good way to keep your homeowner’s insurance cost as low as possible is to keep you home as safe as possible.  Here are a few tips to get you started.

  • Fix all leaks in foundations and/or roofs.
  • Install smoke detectors in every bedroom and keep them in working order.
  • Have a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Test it annually.
  • Trim all trees that are close to your house.
  • Check to make sure you do not have any lead paint in your home. If you find lead paint, have it replaced.
  • Invest in a home security system. Many good ones do not require hardwiring. Some systems also include video monitoring.
  • Use timers on outside lights.

Do you need a homeowner’s insurance quote?  Talk to us today about keeping your home and family protected. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Brad Runnebaum and Jeff Hartman established PlatinumOne Insurance Agency in 2008. We are a full service insurance agency representing individuals, families and businesses in the Kansas City area. We are licensed professionals who are not limited to placing your insurance with just one carrier. We have the flexibility to choose the insurance company that best serves your individual needs. Having choices is our advantage and it benefits our customers.

Is Workers’ Compensation Changing With The Times?

Posted under Commercial Insurance, News and Announcements, Workers Compensation.

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect injured workers from on the job accidents or injury.  Workers’ compensation also protects employers from large medical bills and time-loss claims.  This kind of insurance is an important part of your business insurance program.  The risk climate has changed, and will continue to change, and it is important that workers’ compensation keep up.

Ways Workers’ Compensation is Changing

  • With all the changes in healthcare, workers’ compensation will most likely be integrated in some way with health insurance.
  • Will the Federal Government take over workers’ compensation like they did with healthcare? There could be new fines for employers who fail to provide coverage to injured workers.
  • How will illegal workers be treated in the future? Most states do allow for illegal workers to be covered under workers’ compensation, but will that continue?
  • As medical providers merge, it is going to lead to increased costs.
  • Will self-insurance or group plans be more attractive to employers in the future?

Whatever the case, you need an agent who is ready to help you manage your risk. We are locally owned and operated out of Overland Park, Kansas and are strongly represented in all areas of the Kansas City metropolitan area including not only Kansas City, but also Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa & Shawnee.  We primarily write business in Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas but are licensed in the entire State. We primarily write business in Jackson, Cass and Platt County in Missouri but again are licensed in the entire State to write business.