In 2017, there were 16 separate disasters in the U.S., which generated total record losses in excess of $306 billion (1). Most damage was the result of flooding, including historic floods associated with Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, and record high water levels in Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois.

Here are facts you should not ignore:

• Flooding can happen practically anywhere at any time
• 25% of all flood damage occurs in low- to moderate-risk areas
• Floods occur in all 50 states
• Flooding is the costliest and most common natural disaster in the U.S. (2)
• Most Americans are seriously under insured

In the Northeast, floods can occur from spring snow melt, rapid rainfall, changing weather patterns and clogged rainwater systems. In general, they can also occur from tropical cyclones, structural failure leading to flash floods, or new building development.

It doesn't take much water to destroy a property and wipe out the finances of an uninsured homeowner or business. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) estimates that 1 inch of water in a home can create $20,000 worth of damage (3). And yet, few property owners have flood insurance (besides those in high-risk areas who are required by their lenders to purchase NFIP policies).

Think about this:

• Only 12% of U.S. homeowners had a flood insurance policy according to an Insurance Information Institute poll in 2016 (4)
  
• Less than 20% of homes damaged in Hurricane Harvey were insured for flood.
• 56% of respondents mistakenly believed that a standard homeowners policy covers flood damage according to a March 2017 survey.
• Most business insurance policies exclude flood damage.
• Flood maps are drawn by FEMA. Some research suggests that current flood maps seriously underestimate those in the high-risk 1-in-100-year floodplain, and one study suggests 40 million Americans, instead of the current estimate of 13 million, are at high-risk.

When considered together, these statistics paint a grim picture for Americans who don’t currently have flood insurance.

What about you?

A licensed insurance agent can help you understand the different insurance products available. Even with government-backed NFIP policies, some people may need excess coverage to cover up to replacement cost, and still others may benefit from various coverage options available with private insurance products instead of an NFIP plan, when available.

Ask a licensed Connecticut Insurance Exchange agent about flood insurance today.

Source: (1) According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2) FBLIC (3) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (4) Insurance Information Institute Poll

Here's the bad news — the average American will have at least three auto accidents in their lifetime. (1)

Here's the good news — most accidents are not fatal.

Knowing how to handle an automobile accident can help you and your family through a stressful experience.

So, what should you do at the scene of a car accident?

1. Stop immediately, but don't obstruct traffic.
2. Document the scene of the accident. If it is safe to do so, take photos of the damage to both vehicles before you move them. If the accident is minor and it will not put anyone in jeopardy, move the cars to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights if needed.
3. Stay calm and assist the injured. Even if you think you are “OK,” your body can be pumped up with adrenaline, which can mask pain. After the adrenaline wears off, you may realize you were injured.
4. Collect information of the people involved. Get the name, phone number, and address of the other party including driver's license number, insurance company, policy number and claim phone number, as well as contact information of witnesses and injured persons. 
5. Collect information of all cars involved. Get the make and model of the vehicles and license plate numbers.
6. Call the police. Without a police report,  it may be difficult to convince your insurance company you were not at fault, jeopardizing your ability to be paid in full for your injuries and damages.
7. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after your accident. Give your insurance company as much complete and accurate information about the accident. The sooner you get complete information to them, the sooner your claim can be processed.

What should you NOT DO if you are involved in a car accident?

1. DO NOT take responsibility for the accident. Avoid saying anything that could sound like the accident was your fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” to the other party could be taken as an "admission of fault." Remain courteous and consistent in your version of the event.
2. DO NOT leave the scene of the accident. Especially if there are injuries or you could face criminal charges for a hit-and-run.
3. DO NOT discuss your accident on social media. Better yet, don’t talk to anyone about the accident other than your own insurance company and the police.

Questions or concerns regarding a claim?
Get your insurance agent involved! At Connecticut Insurance Exchange, writing a policy is only the beginning. We are committed to supporting our clients through all aspects of the insurance transaction — including accidents and claims.

If you have questions regarding the claims process, have trouble reaching an insurance company representative, or need a partner to advocate on your behalf, we're here to serve. That's Connecticut Insurance Exchange.

(1) More than 2.4 million people were injured and nearly 35,000 people died in 6.2 million crashes nationwide in 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Adult drivers in the U.S. will file a car collision claim approximately once every 18 years according to carinsurance.com.

All policies differ, but in general the guidelines are as follows...

• The property owner whose house is hit by a tree is covered under their homeowner's policy.
• The property owner whose vehicle is hit by a tree is covered under their auto policy — but only if they have "comprehensive" coverage on the vehicle.
• If the tree that falls is rotted or diseased and should have been pruned or cut down, then a question of negligence can be raised. The property owner may seek to hold the tree owner liable for damages.
• Tree removal is only covered if a structure or vehicle is hit by the falling tree. NOTE: Pools are not covered. So, if a tree falls only on your lawn or garden — with no damage to your home or vehicle —the cost of tree removal, damage to lawns, gardens or damage to pools are generally not covered. Check your policy for specifics.
• If a tree on your property falls into your neighbor's yard without damage to their home or vehicle, tree removal is not covered by either party's insurance. You and your neighbor must discuss who pays for cleanup.
  

Got a question about tree damage liability?
Contact Connecticut Insurance Exchange at 860 666-5443 or [email protected]
We will be happy to review your policy and exposures to make sure you are properly covered.

Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver's attention away from driving. Distractions include activities such as talking on a phone or texting, eating, drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, and operating  the vehicle's entertainment or navigation system.

Facts:

• Taking your eyes off the road for 5 seconds at 55 mph, is the equivalent to driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed. Reading a text message while driving distracts a driver for a minimum of five seconds each time. (1)
  
• Every day, 11 teenagers die because they were texting while driving. (1)

Figures (2):

• Every year, about 421,000 people are injured in crashes that have involved a distracted driver.
• Each year, over 330,000 accidents caused by texting while driving lead to severe injuries. This means that over 78% of all distracted drivers are distracted because they have been texting while driving.
• 1 out of 4 car accidents in the US are caused by texting while driving.
• Texting and driving is 6 times more likely to get you in an accident than drunk driving.

1. Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving
2. Source: http://distracteddriveraccidents.com/25-shocking-distracted-driving-statistics
3. Source: http://time.com/money/4706657/auto-insurance-rates-distracted-driving-smartphones/
4. Source: https://www.tipmont.org/safety/safety-blog/item/5-distracted-driving-stats-you-should-know

Ah, Valentine's Day! The time of year many celebrate by getting their "special someone" fine jewelry. Perhaps even "popping the question!"

But what happens if that valuable item is lost, stolen or destroyed?

A basic homeowner's or renter's policy (if you have one) typically only covers up to $1,500 worth of bling — like jewelry, watches, furs, precious and semiprecious stones — from theft.

The best way to protect your jewelry, and other valuable items is with a personal articles floater. This can be written as a stand alone policy or endorsed onto your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. And, it's not expensive!

A floater can also cover specifically described and insured valuables including furs, cameras, musical instruments and equipment, silverware, golf equipment, antiques, fine arts, memorabilia, souvenirs, and collections.

Protect the objects of your love with a personal articles floater. Contact Connecticut Insurance Exchange today by email or call 860 666-5443. You'll be glad you did.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day!

The coldest temperatures of the season are here. With the mercury dipping into the teens and single digits, you should be aware of the increased risk for frozen pipes.

While there are long-term measures you can take to prevent frozen pipes in your home, like having proper insulation and sealing any cracks or gaps in your siding or foundation, there are a few small, but helpful, things you should do during extreme cold spells.

What you can do to combat the freeze:
• Keep your thermostat set to a warmer temperature than usual
• Consider opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air circulate
• On the coldest days, consider letting a little cold water drip from the faucet

If you think you have a frozen pipe in your home, shut off the main water supply and call a licensed plumber right away. We recommend you avoid thawing a frozen pipe yourself — improper technique could cause the pipe to burst, leading to costly damages to your home.

Have questions?
Contact your Connecticut Insurance Exchange agent today! (860) 666-5443

Why would you want to risk all your assets if you were found at fault for a claim?
When you hear the term "umbrella policy," do you have a deer-in-the-headlights moment? You're not alone! However, it's vital to understand how an umbrella policy can protect your assets and future earnings because that's what's at stake in the event you were found at fault for a claim.

TRUE-LIFE EXAMPLES:
Client A allowed their guests to use their ATV around their property. The guest's teenage son hit a tree leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. 

Client B had a party in their backyard. A guest jumped out of their second-story window aiming for their trampoline. The guest missed, suffering from major back injuries.

Client C (a high school student) was driving his girlfriend's car and had an accident where the other party sustained major injuries. The girlfriend's family did not have high enough policy limits, so the injured party also sued the driver's family even though it wasn't his car.
 
It’s not uncommon to hear of $1-million, $2-million, and even $10-million liability judgments against individuals. If someone is injured on your property, in your pool, or from a vehicle accident, you could be subjected to such a judgment whether or not the accident results in death.

Know this — accidents and injuries are not predictable. Nobody expects to be the subject of a lawsuit. But once you are the target of a liability lawsuit, it's too late to get coverage.

Ask yourself this question: How will you or your family support themselves if your finances are suddenly hit by a tragic accident in which you were held responsible for damages or bodily injuries?

Beware of Phone Callers Posing as Department of Insurance Staff

On August 10, Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Katharine L. Wade released a warning advising consumers to be aware of an individual posing as a Connecticut Insurance Department employee and calling residents to ask for their insurance information.
 
Please be aware of this scam. Protect your personally identifiable information (PII). Please feel free to share this news with your family and friends.
 
For more information about the incident, please visit the CID website

The Newington Police Department held its first-ever National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Mill Pond Park, in conjunction with Newington Parks and Recreation. 
As one of 16,000 American communities to host a National Night Out event this year, the town is working on its police-community partnership.

Police have welcomed lots of volunteers and sponsors, to keep the evening running smoothly and allow them to focus on interacting with the public. For Connecticut Insurance Exchange, supporting the department is a company priority. Connecticut Insurance Exchange donated the balloons, key tags and made a monetary donation as well.
​
“We think having a good relationship with law enforcement is beneficial to everyone,” Vice President Melanie Tregoning said. “When people treat officers as human beings and officers treat people as human beings, they get to know each other as people and connect on a human level. The police are not there as an antagonist; they’re there as a friend and a partner, just like Connecticut Insurance Exchange is there for their clients as a friend and partner,” she continued. “It’s a two-way street when it comes to keeping our community safe. We all need to work together.”