insurance – Susman

January 23, 2020

Insurance Disaster Bill

SACRAMENTO — Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today to streamline residential insurance claims for victims of disasters such as wildfires.

“When someone has lost their home or suffered serious damage in a disaster, they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get coverage they are entitled to,” Sen. Dodd said. “Insurance companies must act swiftly to advance living expenses for temporary housing and other costs and they shouldn’t bury home owners in exhaustive inventory forms. People who pay their premiums deserve to be made whole without unnecessary delay.”

Senate Bill 872, sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, expands the definition of additional living expenses that must be paid to home owners for losses incurred in a state of emergency. Upon submission of a claim, it requires an advance payment of no less than four months for costs such as housing, furniture rental and transportation. Also, it requires an advance payment of no less than 25 percent of a policy limit for lost contents without submission of an inventory form.

The bill, coauthored by Sen. Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, requires insurers to give home owners a 60-day grace period for payment of residential premiums after an emergency. Also, insurance companies will be barred from deducting the land value from payouts for those who build on new lots.

“When a disaster occurs, residents need immediate help, not red tape and unnecessary paperwork that adds to their problems,” Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said. “I am proud to sponsor this crucial legislation, enforcing actions that I have urged insurers to take after wildfires to protect policyholders. This proposal will help ensure residents have all the resources and time available to them to help ease the financial and emotional toll of a disaster.”

April 15, 2017

Insurance Fun Facts

We don’t always want to be serious and beat a dead horse about how much we want you to have the right insurance policies and always keep them updated!

We also like fun stuff – we promise! Check-out these super silly insurance-related facts we found on the wonderful internet – some of them might be worth your time to explore further. The stories that go along with the facts a quite interesting and entertaining!

The Padres have signed the same h andicapped ball player 20 years in row so he doesn’t lose his health insurance. San Diego has signed former left-h ander Matt LaChappa to a minor league deal each year since 1996, when LaChappa suffered a heart attack while warming up in the bullpen for a Class-A game.

Top and bottom. Ugly Betty star America Ferrera had had her teeth insured by her sponsor, Aquafresh, for $10,000,000 while Jennifer Lo has insured her butt for $27,000,000.

A French man, Max Herve-George, has an insurance policy that lets him trade stocks based on last week’s prices. It has been called the stupidest contract ever signed, and may end up with him owning the insurance company.

Dolly Parton first insured her famous 40DD breasts in the 1970’s for the then princely sum of $ 600,000.

The Apollo Astronauts, unable to qualify for life insurance and not insured by NASA, resorted to ‘insurance autographs’, signing just before launch in the expectation that the value would skyrocket in the event of their deaths.

Hiding behind teeth lies the tongue, and Gene Simmons, bassist for 70’s b and, Kiss, once insured his for $1,000,000.

Iran eliminated its kidney transplant waiting list by incentivizing unrelated donors with financial compensation and health insurance.

Coffee taster Gennaro Pelliccia has had his taste buds insured for $10 million by employer Costa Coffee.

Amish refuse to pay the premium or accept the benefits of social security.

No insurance company will underwrite Jackie Chan’s productions.

Hawaii has required employers to pay health insurance benefits to employees who work 20 hours or more per week since 1975.

“Lord of the Dance” Michael Flatley insured his legs for $40 million.

Japanese life insurance will pay, even if you commit suicide. One of many reasons for the high suicide rate in Japan.

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Sources:

http://www.kickassfacts.com/25-interesting-facts-about-insurance/

http://trafalgar-intl.com/interesting-weird- and-quite-possibly-useless-insurance-facts/

January 16, 2017

Travel Time

Any time is a good time to travel. Sure, it depends on where you want to go and the weather season, but for most of us, everything from a quick getaway to an extended exotic vacation is something we love to do and can’t ever come soon enough.
You find the perfect location, plan your adventure, book the tickets, and upon check-out you are ask if you would like to purchase insurance to protect your trip.

Would you? Should you?

Often times not only do you wave goodbye to your family when departing for your vacation, but also to your insurance coverage – especially as soon as you leave the United States.
The most common items (deemed reasonable) covered by travel insurance include medical emergencies, visitor health insurance, delayed, lost, or stolen baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption (death, bodily injury, illness, disease, pregnancy complications, termination of employment, deployment, prohibition of travel to the destination, evacuation from the destination). Sometimes additional policies can be purchased for more specific needs such as pre-existing conditions, elective treatments or surgery, war, and terrorism. An added bonus of travel insurance is it is often there to help 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

So do you need it?

If you are a worrier, this might be a good way to give you peace of mind. If your trip is just a couple days domestically, you probably don’t need it. We gave you some of the pros and the type of coverage you can get, but there are also reason why you might decide not to get travel insurance. For example, you might already be covered on your current insurance, your credit card might already offer additional travel protection, or maybe you just aren’t worried about any type of loss. It all depends on the individual.

It is definitely worth the time to do some research about the coverage available and the health care services available at your destination. As always, it is better to be over-prepared.

December 30, 2016

New Year Update

As humans, people, consumers, etc… We love to constantly update our life status, as well as be up-to-date on the latest and greatest. It can be the newest cell phones, techno-gadgets, movies, and fashion – whatever. We like to appear to our social universe as being interesting, exciting, fresh, and new. It is a competition of who can post and update first or who can get the newest ‘it’ item. Nobody wants to finish last or be left behind. It is all about the update!

Do you know what else needs to be updated?
Your insurance policies.

The start of the year is always a good time to review all of your polices and make any necessary changes. However, it is almost entering the third month of the year – have no fear! There is still plenty of time to update, but don’t procrastinate.
I know a woman that updates her policies almost a dozen times per year. She is always reviewing coverage to ensure that it matches with her current coverage needs and lifestyle. Marriage, divorce, children, pets, change of job, business ownership, and health – all of these events create a change in insurance policies. She consistently updates, because she knows that as life goes through changes, the amount and type of coverage for each policy must also change.

Have you made any major purchases? Save your receipts and educate yourself on inflation and exchange rates (for items purchased overseas) and how those might affect the value of your items and the replacement value as well. On the other side, be aware of insured items that have potentially depreciated. You don’t want to be paying a ton of extra money for being over-insured.
Did you do any major home renovations? Added solar panels? Updated your security system? Yes – you need to update!

Don’t get discourage or confused and feel like you have to go at this alone. Yes, there is plenty of information you can find on the internet, but our recommendation is to contact your agent and allow them to assist. Updating isn’t a difficult process, but it is an important one that deserve a lot of attention to detail. The right changes can save you money – now and in the future.

NOW might be a good time to review and update all your policies and make sure everything is still in alignment with your lifestyle. Then you can be the first among your friends to brag and update your social status!

December 26, 2016

Only Human

Things in our lives are constantly evolving, changing. It’s inevitable. There are many people who crack under the pressure and stress of change, making complicated situations even worse and slowing the growth process.

We currently have numerous opportunities afforded to us that our ancestors quite possibly couldn’t even comprehend. I think those “perks” make the wheels of change turn even faster than they once did. Life is fast-paced and hectic. We often convince ourselves that we have the strength and endurance of superhero. Certainly we can argue that we’re all superhero material in our own way, but we still have to remind ourselves that failure can and will happen. We are only human after all. Sometimes change comes in the form of a sudden event – illness, car accident or any event that can turn life upside-down in the blink of an eye. When those moments strike, we don’t want you worrying about ANYTHING other than getting back on your feet.

Take a moment and look at life insurance through a different lens. Buying life insurance doesn’t have to be stressful. We underst and the struggles of comparing life insurance companies and policies, because we’ve been there. It can be confusing and frustrating, which is why we are here for you now. We wanted to make it easy for you to feel financially protected and we have done just that. We can offer protection whether you’re old or young, sick or healthy, male or female, gay or straight, married or single.

No matter what, we’ve got you covered.
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December 23, 2016

Protect That Payment

The purchasing of a new home means you need some additional insurance. Something you should consider is Mortgage Protection Insurance.

Mortgage Protection Insurance is like life insurance protection for your home or property. It pays your mortgage in situations like death, loss of your income source or job or become disabled. The cost of Mortgage Protection Insurance varies from one person to another. There are other factors taken into consideration by insurance providers in assessing your insurance cost. Some of the factors include your type of work, your age, health status and value of the property and your mortgage payment among others. The mortgage protection Insurance is relatively easy to get and providers usually ask few questions on the application form, which means that overwhelming majority of home owners can get this insurance. It is beneficial to people who may be deemed uninsurable or for those considered “high risk” which generally carry higher rates. People who work in situations deemed as high risk occupations or people with health issues may also benefit from buying a Mortgage Protection Insurance.

Whether you choose to get this additional insurance or not, there are serious benefits to consider and you should always prioritize protecting yourself, your family, and your home.

December 19, 2016

Fur Baby Love

We love our fur babies. Chances are if you have one, you love yours as well. Pets are members of the family. They play the role of child, companion, therapist, and best friend. There isn’t much we wouldn’t do for those cute, furry little effaces with suck-you-in- and-wrap-you-around-their-paw-eyes. So we say.

What happens when a major medical issue occurs and now you have a vet bill that is large enough to purchase a small isl and? Would you and are you willing to spend the money to help heal your pet?

About a decade ago, I learned about health insurance for my pets. Just like my own health insurance, I was able to pay each month and get a portion of pet expenses covered each time I took them to the veterinarian. Basically I was able to get coverage for my dog that included accident and illness plans reimburse a high percentage of my vet bill. The best part? I was able to choose any licensed veterinarian, specialist or emergency center anywhere in the world. I was also able to purchase routine care coverage to help pay for annual checkups, dental cleanings, and so much more.

I have to admit that at first it made me laugh that pet insurance existed. I know I said that my dogs were always a part of the family, but prior to a decade ago, I never associated pets with insurance. However, once brought to my attention, it made perfect sense. Just like humans, pets are at risk of injury, illness, and death. I purchased my own various and affordable policies from my insurance agent and was able to do the exact same thing with the pet insurance. The same great coverage and inexpensive rates made purchasing the policy so easy.

There are so many different types of insurance, but the one that every dog owner (or animal of choice) should consider is for pets. For me personally, it felt good knowing that not only was I providing extra protection for my dogs, but also protection for my budget and finances.

I highly recommend discussing a pet insurance policy with your agent and your veterinarian.

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December 5, 2016

Holiday Crime

Did you know that per police department statistics all over the United States, crime rates for theft and robbery increase dramatically during the holiday season? The time of year that is supposed to make people tankful, grateful, and feel more charitable, causes certain types of people to prey on those with gifts loaded into cars and piled under the tree. Burglary, theft, fraud, harassment, stalking, alcohol induced violence, and many other issues and crimes kill the holiday spirit and can happen anywhere. Be on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Always make sure you lock your doors – at home, your business, and your car. Don’t leave any shopping bags or personal belongings within clear view. Keep some lights on when you are gone and avoid keeping curtains open so strangers can’t look inside.

The holidays should be a fun and happy time for you and your loved ones. Unfortunately, reality has a mean way of reminding us that not everyone has the same respect for each other and that there are bad people among the good ones. It is easy to get lost in all the shopping chaos and magic of the season – but just keep your eyes open a little wider and takes the couple extra steps to keep yourself and your loved ones protected. Oh – and the presents. You want to protect those too!

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November 25, 2016

Doomsday – oops, Black Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Well, happy day AFTER Thanksgiving – or better known as Black Friday.

Black Friday.

The one day during the year where some people rush through the holiday family meal where they are supposedly giving thanks to/for all they have, only to go st and in line for hours to get a “deal” on items which, they more often purchase for themselves – and forgetting what it is that they were thankful for in the first place.

I am a fan of putting money into business, but unfortunately it is days like today that can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Later this evening we will be hearing news reports about people getting in fights, trampled, or even worse.

It is sad, disappointing, and scary.

On another note, this is the perfect time to remind you that you need to either get insurance that you don’t already have ( and need) or update your current polices. There is not better day than Black Friday to make sure your car is protected during gridlock traffic around the mall, your health insurance will cover an injuries that may occur or flu bugs you pick-up while st anding next to that sick lady in line, and your life insurance – well, just in case.

All jokes aside, we wish you a happy holiday weekend and season and hope you have all the insurance you need for the moments that you need it the most.

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November 22, 2016

Gobble, Gobble

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Here comes Thanksgiving!

In a few days we will all be sitting down with our favorite people (hopefully they rank among our favorites) and eat all the delicious food. However, there are the dangers of Thanksgiving that one must be aware of (cue ominous music). For example, the classic, “Who poisoned the sweet potatoes and marshmallows?” Or, or… you know, you could accidentally get a turkey leg stuck in your throat and choke. People have been known to display extremely gluttonous behavior on this wonderfully hazardous day!

Or…

A tribe of angry Native Americans could charge into your family gathering, wielding spears packed with the wrath of centuries worth of being misunderstood and segregated, then having a holiday created in their name depicting what really happened as something worth celebrating.

We are just kidding – we hope! We just wanted to give you a laugh and a smile, but also wanted to express the importance of the various types of insurance you need to protect you during the holidays – and on all days! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Insurance Disaster Bill

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