Many of our clients may be in the process of hiring a contractor for a home repair or remodel. No matter what the job, it is important to make sure you protect your interests through the process. We want to provide you with some basic information that you should consider before you actually hire any contractor. Remember your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the liability from the contractor’s negligence.

While most home contractors out there are legitimate and complete quality work, there are some contractors who may not fulfill their promises. No matter how small the job, we always recommend you follow a few simple steps.

Contractor Hiring Tips

1. Get more than one bid. However, don’t necessarily jump at the lowest bid; our surveys have shown that people who hired the lowest bidder generally got poorer work.
2. Have an agreement in writing.
3. Check references. Always ask for, and check out, references of people who have used the contractor. If a contractor provides only email addresses for the references, request telephone numbers, too. For larger jobs you may even ask to view the contractors work.
4. Check the Better Business Bureau for filed complaints. Usually this can be done on line.
5. Confirm through the state that the contractor is licensed & insured. Ask for a certificate of insurance. Also request to be named additional insured on the contractor’s policy. The contractor should have the following coverage:
   1. General liability- $1,000,000 minimum
   2. Property damage
   3. Workers’ compensation
6. Ask for a firm quote. Some contractors will provide only an estimate; you want a FIRM QUOTE.
7. If you pay by check, write out the check to the contracting company rather than to an individual.
8. Make final payment only when the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign documents if the job is not finished properly.
9. Any extra work needs to be put in writing with the costs.
10. Call our office, we may have references for you to consider.

How Your Homeowner’s Insurance Applies

Your homeowner’s insurance will not cover the negligent work of a contractor. If the contractor is injured on your property, your homeowner’s insurance will not apply, unless you are negligent somehow.

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.

Why You Need Auto Insurance

Ok, we all know driving can be dangerous, but here are the latest statistics from the auto insurance carriers.

• Motorcycle accidents have increased over the past five years.
• Auto fatalities are up 3.3%.
• Distracted drivers cause 1 in 4 accidents.
• Every day 1,000 people are injured by distracted drivers.
• 900 people a year die, and nearly 2,000 are injured, as a result of vehicles running red lights.
• Cell phone usage caused 21% of all fatal accidents.
• Medical costs have risen over 4% in the last year.
• The average auto liability claim for property damage was $3,073.
• The average auto liability claim for bodily injury was $14,653.

Auto Insurance

Your auto insurance program should have the following:

Auto Liability – Bodily Injury Liability Coverage pays for medical damages and funeral expenses for any people injured or killed in an accident for which you were responsible.

Auto Property Damage – Covers damage you do to a third party.

Auto Physical Damage — Covers comprehensive and collision. Collision is designed to get your car repaired if you hit an object. Comprehensive Coverage covers your vehicle in the event of damage or loss from something other than a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, nature, animals.

Uninsured Motorist – This insurance pays in the event you are hit and injured by an uninsured motorist. Even though auto insurance is required, one in four drives does not carry any insurance.

Person Injury Protection – This coverage provides no fault coverage for passengers who are injured in your vehicles.

With over 30 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, Safeco and many others.

Winter is fast approaching and the potential damage to your auto, RV, motorcycle and even ATV can be serious. Most of us are getting our homes prepared for winter, but don’t forget about your vehicles. Many kinds of winter damage can be insured under the auto comprehensive coverage on your policy.  However, it is better to do a little preparation to avoid auto claims all together. With over 30 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, Safeco and many others.

Winter Vehicle Preparation

• Keep your car well maintained.
• Put snow tries or studs on when legally allowed.
• Check the battery. Cold weather makes the vehicle’s battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!
• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
• For best results in clearing the cold, heavy grime off your windshield, select a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution. But be aware that some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car’s paint.
• Keep a small tube of lock deicer around in case you have a frozen lock.
• Keep the gas tank as full as possible. Running out of gas in freezing conditions would not be good.
• Pack a safety kit that includes a flashlight, water, jumper cables, blanket, flares, boots, paper towels, gloves, radio, and shovel.

Time for a Personal Insurance Review

Now is also a good time to have us review all of your personal insurance needs. We have access to many competitive markets that can offer you personal insurance discounts.

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.