If you live in a wildfire-prone area, the following are some tips for you to mitigate the risks of suffering a wildfire loss.
Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Cell phones are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more communities are placing restrictions on drivers' use of cell phones. And more states are now passing laws banning the practice of texting while driving. The U.S. Congress is even considering a federal law related to this ban. The following tips are offered to motorists in regards to cell phone use in vehicles.
McKenna Insurance Services || Insurance for the Quality Conscious.
Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
Be wary of contractors who solicit business door-to-door or via cold calls. In addition, avoid contractors who quote you a price that will automatically go up the next day or week if you don't accept it immediately.
Obtain recommendations from friends, family members, and neighbors about experienced and reputable contractors who have performed excellent work for them.
Ask for a written estimate from the contractor that includes any oral agreements the contractor makes in this process. The estimate should contain a line-by-line breakdown of costs, including materials and labor.
Verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded, and properly insured. Ask for certificates of insurance for workers compensation and general liability policies. You should also receive these certificates for any subcontractor the general contractor may hire to work on your home.
Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if complaints have been filed against the contractor. This can be performed via the bureau's Web site at www.bbb.org.
Get a copy of the proposed contract. Ideally, it should include a hold harmless clause in your favor, particularly for major work such as when heavy equipment will be used in constructing a swimming pool. A hold harmless clause specifies that the contractor will indemnify you with respect to your liability to members of the public who are injured or whose property is damaged during the course of the contractor's operations. The contract should also explicitly establish an independent contractor relationship.
Ask a knowledgeable friend, relative, or attorney to review the home repair contract before you sign.
Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
In Mexico, Non-Admitted Insurance is addressed under Article 3 of the General Insurance Law. In summary, this article prohibits insurance transactions for risks in Mexico with foreign (nonadmitted) Insurance Companies. Even though the Law provides for certain exceptions, it pretty much requires that any and all
insurance must be contracted with Insurance Companies admitted in Mexico, to the extent that coverage is available in the Mexican Insurance Market.
Penalties for violating Non-Admitted Insurance Laws in Mexico Under the Mexican Legal System, which is more like the Napoleonic Code, as opposed to the Common Law System in the USA, penalties for violations of the Law are very clearly typified' and stipulated. The General Insurance Law, under article 141, establishes the penalties and crimes for violations to article 3, which regulates non-admitted insurance. Specifically, article 141, under fraction II, stipulates that any person who violates the prohibition to contract insurance with foreign companies will be sanctioned with:
Imprisonment for a term from 3 years to 10 years; and
A fine between 200 and 2,000 Daily Salaries.
CALIFORNIA CODES INSURANCE CODE SECTION 11580-11589.5
11580.6. Where a policy of liability insurance covering the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle or aircraft contains a provision indicating that coverage is extended to accidents, occurrences, and loss arising in Mexico, the policy shall contain an additional provision, either on the face of the policy or by an endorsement attached thereto stating as follows:
WARNING
Unless you have automobile or aircraft insurance written by a Mexican insurance company, you may spend many hours or days in jail, if you have an accident in Mexico. Insurance coverage should be secured from a company licensed under the laws of Mexico to write such insurance in order to avoid complications and some other penalties possible under the laws of Mexico, including the possible impoundment of your automobile or aircraft.
]]>If hiring a domestic worker directly, run a background check on potential domestics to see if they (a) are U.S. citizens, (b) have a history of filing lawsuits, (c) have credit problems, or (d) have a criminal record. If using an employment agency, verify the above steps are performed. Prospective domestics with major concerns of these types should not be hired.
Check with your insurance agent to see if you need to procure workers compensation coverage. Your agent will be familiar with your state laws concerning this issue. Of course, you may choose to voluntarily provide workers compensation coverage, which may be a good idea. As discussed below, even if your homeowners policy covers injuries to your domestic employee, the policy limit could be grossly inadequate in the event of serious injury, permanent disability, or death.
The advantage of workers compensation coverage is that it provides broader protection (e.g., disability payments) than your homeowners policy, including unlimited medical expenses in most states. So, even if not required by law, it is a good idea to consider voluntarily providing this important coverage.
If an outside firm or agency is used to hire your domestic, verify the worker has workers compensation coverage. Obtain a certificate of insurance from the employment agency on an annual basis showing this coverage.
Prepare a well-organized and documented human resource file for every domestic employee. In addition, you should have an employment application as well as an employment manual or handbook. This manual will reduce the chances of an employment-related lawsuit because it can include protective provisions detailing your opposition to any employee mistreatment. An employee manual written or revised by an experienced attorney is an even more effective risk control recommendation.
If there are multiple domestic workers, an employment practices liability (EPL) policy may be needed. This coverage can protect you from a wide variety of lawsuits, including allegations of discrimination, wrongful termination, harassment, and slander. A personal injury endorsement under your homeowners policy is also recommended.
Discuss with your insurance agent the possibility of increasing the personal liability and medical payments limits under your homeowners policy to the highest available limits, particularly if workers compensation benefits are not required or purchased. A personal umbrella policy is also recommended.
Consider some type of fidelity bond for these employees, particularly for new employees. This bond will protect you if the domestic worker commits a dishonest act in your employment (e.g., theft of jewelry). If an employment agency or service provides these employees, verify that the employment agency has purchased fidelity bonds on them and ask for a copy of the bond certification form.
Make sure that your employment practices comply with federal requirements, such as the withholding of payroll taxes and proof of citizenship.
Get more personal lines insurance and risk management tips and ideas from IRMI.
Copyright 2009
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.
McKenna Insurance Services is proud to release a new information page entitled
Auto Insurance Terms Discussed. Just one more way that McKenna Insurance Services shows its dedication to the consumers of auto insurance. This one of a kind page goes way beyond the typical definitions of auto insurance terms. McKenna Insurance has taken the most important coverages and terms, defined them, and then in simple language, discusses and gives practical advice about coverages and situations that can arise during an auto insurance claim.
The author of this new page, Patrick McKenna, has been an insurance agent since 1994. He also served three years as an auto insurance claims adjuster at Mercury Insurance Group. Patrick McKenna is the founder and President of McKenna Insurance Group, Inc. He is active in the daily operations of McKenna Insurance Services.
For more information, you may contact McKenna Insurance Services at (888) 763-6465
]]>July 21, 2007
On July 20, 2007, McKenna Insurance Group, Inc. dba McKenna Insurance Services acquired McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency from Jennifer L. McKenna. Patrick J. McKenna and Jennifer L. McKenna originally founded McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency in July 1995. McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency will be a great asset to McKenna Insurance Services as it broadens its presence in California. Located at 4118 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, it serves clients from Chula Vista, Eastlake, Bonita, San Diego, Otay Ranch and all of the South Bay. Specializing in Auto and Homeowners Insurance, McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency also provides Business Insurance, Commercial Auto Insurance, Boat Insurance, RV Insurance, SR22 Insurance Filing, Bonds, Motorcycle Insurance, Life and Health Insurance.
Currently McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency offers insurance with Mercury Insurance, Progressive Drive Insurance, Hartford Insurance, GMAC Insurance, Western United Insurance, Bristol West / Coast National Insurance, Infinity Insurance, Unitrin Specialty / Financial Indemnity Company, Fidelity National Insurance, Lloyds of London and many more top rated insurance companies.
McKenna Insurance Services looks forward with great anticipation of growing in California. Clients will receive the same great rates and service that they have come to expect over the last 12 years from McKenna-Pacific Insurance Agency.
For more information regarding this purchase, please contact Patrick J. McKenna, President of McKenna Insurance Group, Inc. at (619) 475-9000.
CA State Lic.# 0F13008
]]>Effective July, 1, 2007, Allstate Insurance will no longer write new homeowners insurance policies in California. Current Allstate Homeowners customers are said not to be affected by this change. To help with this change, Allstate has partnered with Pacific Specialty Insurance Company (McGraw Insurance) to help write some of the business that Allstate will now turn away.
McKenna Insurance Services will assist California's insurance consumers, including Allstate customers in need of Homeowners, Renters, Condo (Unit Owners), and Landlords (Rental Units) insurance policies. We also, represent Pacific Specialty Insurance Company among many others such as Mercury Insurance, The Hartford, Fidelity National, Workmen's, Praetorian, Aegis, Topa, Lloyd's of London and access to many more. Don't make a huge pricing mistake. Don't just get a quote from one company.
It is well known in the insurance industry, that Allstate's underwriting guidelines for brush risks is one of the most lenient in the market. Traditionally, the excess and surplus lines companies insured these high-risk homes. Insurance consumers in many cases will once again have to return to the surplus lines markets to insure their most valuable asset.
Give our markets a try. Remember, these are price quotes and they do not determine eligibility for a homeowner’s insurance policy. Most companies have underwriting guidelines for natural brush, type of dwelling, animals, roof type, claims, etc...
]]>The Hartford Auto Insurance program is designed to offer top-level coverages at very competitive rates for drivers that have very good driving records. The Hartford Insurance Company wants to reward those California drivers that are careful drivers. Not only are the rates competitive, but the service and claims adjusting is top-notch with a knowledgeable representative just a phone call away.
We are very excited about the Homeowners Insurance product. Under the category of Home Insurance we are able to sell HO3, HO5, HO4 Renters Insurance and HO6 Condo Insurance (Unit Owners Insurance for both owner and tenant occupied condos).
Also, The Harford offers Umbrella Coverage, Dwelling Policies and will schedule personal property on a Home Insurance policy. The multiple policy discount when you sign up for both Auto and Home Insurance is huge so we recommend that our clients package the policies when possible.
In California, native brush continues to cause problems for insurance consumers. The majority of insurance companies require at least 1/4 mile clearance from brush in order to obtain a homeowners insurance policy. The Hartford can help you obtain renters or condo insurance if your dwelling is near brush.
Call us today at (888) 384-7722 and ask for a free quote with The Hartford Insurance.
]]>On October 4th, 2006, SR22 Insurance Services secured more appointments with leading motorcycle insurance companies in the state of California. Also, four new sections have been added to the web site to provide improved SR22 Motorcycle Information, Online Quote Form, list of motorcycles accepted and more. Just one more way that SR22 Insurance Services is the leader in providing SR22 filings to driver's in unique situation.
We can cover street bikes, cruisers, off road cycles, trikes, scooters, mopeds and more.
]]>On September 13, 2006, McKenna Insurance Services / SR22 Insurance Services inked the deal with Wizard Lizard, LLC to offer the new insurance software called EZBuy. EZBuy software was developed by Steve Triano, Chief Technical Officer, of Wizard Lizard, LLC. After 3 years of development, this product is finally available to all insurance agents and brokers.
McKenna Insurance Group, Inc. will be implementing this sales system by the end of September 2006. We will now be able to provide quicker and better service to new applicants as EZBuy allows us to complete and bind an insurance application without the client having to fax a signature or even have to come into a local office. This highly anticipated software would drastically cut down on the time to complete an application. No more having to drive into the office.
EZBuy will allow McKenna Insurance Services to write business that we would otherwise be unable to. Some companies are not even requiring photos to bind comprehensive and collision when a policy is written through the EZBuy software platform. A limited number of insurance companies have signed up for EZBuy at this time, however, it appears as if more insurance companies are signing up to have their insurance policies available to agents, brokers, and the insurance buying public. This product is initially only available in California, buy Mr. Triano is currently working on making this product available to other states.
For more information, please contact Patrick McKenna at (888) 763-6465.
]]>September 1, 2006
McKenna Insurance Services has just partnered with Hagerty Insurance to provide collector vehicle and collector boat insurance policies. Recognized as the leader in providing competitive insurance products, McKenna Insurance Services completed the contract with Hagerty Insurance this week and has the ability to provide immediate quotes and policies for Collector Cars and Boats. To make the process even easier, e-signature is accepted.
These are the best policies that you can purchase for a Classic vehicle as the value assigned to your vehicle is an Agreed Value. That means that in the event of a total loss, the insurance policy will pay the "Agree Value" listed in black and white on the policy declarations page. The benefit to the insured is that they will not be forced to negotiate their settlement. Also, in most cases, an appraisal is not required to write the policy.
Hagerty Insurance has been operating for 40 years. With a solid reputation for providing the best coverages at the best premium, Hagerty Insurance is the top choice of Collectors.
More features include: Your choice of body shop, low premiums, in house claims service and they are flexible on how you use your collector vehicle. The types of vehicles accepted are Antique and Classic Cars, Fire Trucks, Lowriders, Military vehicles, Motorcycles, Scooters, Muscle cars, Street Rods and Customs, etc.....
Please contact our local office for a free quotation.
]]>SR22 Insurance Services stresses the importance of the insurance consumer educating themselves on the different types of auto insurance policies available and making the right choice to suit their individual needs. Some different names for this type of policy are Named Operator, Non-Owners, or even a No Car SR22. The Non Owner SR22 Insurance policies are very restrictive policies. We have even put up a sample of a non-owner SR22 policy disclosure that lists some of the limitations of this type of policy.
Some driver's have received misinformation from friends, relatives or even other insurance agents as to what this type of policy will cover. Some people believe that they are covered on ANY vehicle that they do not own. This is a very common misconception. There are many limitations such as no coverage for vehicles in which you have regular access to. This would most likely not cover a vehicle owned by a roommate or relative of your household.
Please read your declarations pages, endorsements and policy specimen jacket to see what is covered and what is not. SR22 Insurance Services can help you if you need a Non Owner SR22 or an Owners SR22 Filing.
]]>JULY 5, 2006
For further information contact:
McKenna Insurance Services
Attn: Patrick McKenna
1940 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 490-3800
McKenna Insurance Services / SR22 Insurance Services (part of McKenna Insurance Group, Inc.) is pleased to announce adding Monica A. Miranda as Manager of the Poway, CA location. Ms. Miranda has held a California Fire & Casualty Insurance License for 5 years. Ms. Miranda’s insurance career started with Allstate Insurance where she specialized in auto and home lines. In total, Ms. Miranda worked at Allstate Agencies for 5 years.
Ms. Miranda was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised in San Diego, California. Monica graduated from Montgomery High School in 2001. She received a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a minor in Spanish from San Diego State University in May of 2000. Ms. Miranda has worked eight years as a Teacher’s Aide and completed her Teaching Credential in December of 2005.
Ms. Miranda specializes in Preferred Auto, Non- Standard Auto (including SR22 Filings) and Home Owners Insurance.
On her free time, Ms. Miranda enjoys watching her son play baseball.
McKenna Insurance Group, Inc. congratulates Monica Miranda on her new position with us, and we look forward to the continuation of a long and productive association. We invite individuals and companies who need insurance advice to contact Ms. Miranda at our Poway Rd. Office or call her at (858) 668-3000.
The McKenna agencies have been serving the needs of California drivers for over 35 years now. We have the experience and the know-how to get you what you need quickly with the low low rates.
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