Did you know, not all water damage losses are covered by the homeowners policy? These losses can be very expensive. But, there are ways you can safeguard your home from water damage losses. Here are a few areas of your home to consider:

• Check your home’s drainage system to see if proper water drainage occurs. EXAMPLE: gutter downspouts should extend the proper distance from the foundation. Keep gutters clear of debris so water can drain properly.
• Is your yard properly graded to slope away from the home to allow surface water to adequately drain?
• If your basement is vulnerable to water collection, consider installing a sump pump system to keep unwanted water out of this part of your home.
• Washing machine hose failures cause millions of dollars of water losses each year. Check hoses periodically and replace at the first sign of wear. When replacing, many insurance adjusters recommend upgrading to the heavy-duty wire mesh or stainless steel hoses.
  

Related Links:
April Showers Bring Flooding

Based on a study by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, dog bites cause over 800,000 injuries requiring immediate medical attention each year in the U.S. If your dog bites someone, you can be held legally liable. Fortunately, this loss is normally covered under your homeowner's policy. But, what if you can take steps to HELP PREVENT or reduce the chances of dog bites?

Ponder these suggestions:

• Carefully consider the breed when choosing a dog since some breeds can be more aggressive than others. A veterinarian can help you decide which breeds best suit your lifestyle. Also note: some insurers may not insure all breeds, so check your insurance policy for limitations.
  
• You may want to spay or neuter you dog since this often decreases aggressive tendencies.
• Socialize your dog from an early age to encourage and foster appropriate behavior.
  
• Never leave dogs alone with small children.
• Avoid playing aggressive games like tug-of-war with your puppy or dog.
• Do not place your dog in a situation where it can be teased or feel threatened.
• Train your dog to obey commands.

Another loss exposure to consider.
You may face liability claims if your dog gets out in the road and causes or contributes to an auto accident. Homeowners can be sued for violation of leash ordinances by allowing their dog to "run at large." Use a well-maintained and sturdy fence or other safeguards to reduce this exposure.

No. A financial credit score factors in your payment history, the amount of credit you owe, the length of your credit history, the types of credit you have and the amount of credit for which you apply. On the other hand, an insurance score is a three-digit number used to estimate the likelihood of you filing a claim. Your insurance score is a combination of your credit score and your insurance claims history.

Insurance companies began incorporating financial credit scores a few years ago, because studies have shown people with a lower credit score have a greater chance of having more claims than those with a higher credit score.

Just like credit scores from companies Experian, TransUnion and Equfiax may be similar but not the same,  insurance scores differ as well because no two insurance companies use the exact same method to calculate your score. Some may also include information of other policyholders with similar traits to yours. Because Connecticut Insurance Exchange represents over 20 A+ rated insurance companies, we are able to match you with the best company in light of your credit score. So, having a low score is not necessarily a deal killer — having a good driving record and minimizing homeowner risks matter.

Want to improve your insurance score? Check out these tips:

For your auto

• Drive safely and avoid moving violations
• If possible, keep your car garaged or covered to avoid weather-related damage
• Tire traction matters — replace worn out tires, especially in the winter

For your home

• Discourage burglars by leaving a light on when not home; Better yet, install a security system
• Install smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher handy, especially in the kitchen
• Before a big storm, put away toys and tools, and secure patio furniture
• Keep your walkways, driveway and steps free of ice and anything that can cause slips and falls

 For your credit score

• Pay your bills in time
• Reduce the balances on the credit you owe

A borrower who has a good mix of secured credit (such as a home or car) and unsecured credit (credit cards) scores better than someone who has only credit cards

The warm weather's here and summer is just around the corner! So, it's a good time to take a tour around your property for a safety inspection.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your family and guests safe this summer.

1. Check your outdoor equipment such as swing sets for sharp edges, rusty bolts and loose parts, and repair or replace if needed.
2. Digging up the yard by planting a tree, starting a garden, putting in a fence or sprinkler system, or having other excavation work done? Think safety first! Always contact CBYD online or by phone at 811 before you start digging so your underground utilities are located and marked. It's free!
3. Avoid grill grease fires and flashbacks by keeping your grill clean (especially the grease trap) and burner tubes where small insects may have made their home, which can block the flow of fuel. Learn more about gas grill fire safety from Travelers.
4. Going on vacation? Don't broadcast your plans on social media! You're not only telling your friends, but you're informing thieves who are waiting for an easy target like an unoccupied home. Wait until you return to post images and videos of your fun.
5. Don't invite crime by leaving bicycles and scooters out on your lawn for thieves to steal. Put your toys away when not in use.
6. Mosquitoes carry a number of diseases, including the Zika virus. One way to keep those nasty pests away is to eliminate standing water around your home, especially after a rainstorm.

SIDE NOTE:  If you have a contractor perform work in or around your home, be aware of the risks: the contractor or their workers could get injured on the job or damage your property. If they are not insured, you may be liable. Ask for a certificate of insurance, to confirm the contractor has insurance. If they have employees (as opposed to sub-contractors), check to see if they have Workers' Comp as well.

Related articles:
Summer Fun
Protect your assets with an umbrella policy
Starting a home renovation project? Do this first.

Beginning in January 1, 2019,  Connecticut homeowners will see a $12 increase in their homeowner's policy. The Healthy Homes Fund Surcharge was passed by the Connecticut Legislature (CT HB05209) to raise as much as $100 million in the next 10 years mainly to assist Connecticut homeowners with crumbling foundations. The legislation is set to expire on December 31, 2029.

The surcharge is not a premium and applies to policies on residential dwellings with four or fewer units and on condominiums. Renters policies are exempt.

The bulk of the money collected in the Healthy Homes Fund Surcharge will be used for grants-in-aid to homeowners with homes located in the immediate vicinity of the West River in the Westville section of New Haven and Woodbridge for structurally damaged homes due to subsidence and to homeowners with homes abutting the Yale Golf Course in the Westville section of New Haven for damage to such homes from water infiltration or structural damage due to subsidence.  The fund will also go toward programs designed to reduce health and safety hazards in residential dwellings in Connecticut such as lead, radon and other contaminants or conditions and pay for the removal, remediation, abatement of these contaminants.

'Tis the season to deck the halls with boughs of holly. But be aware — all that holiday cooking and decorating has the potential to cause serious hazards in your home.

Knowing the risks — and how to help avoid injury, theft and damage to property through the holiday season — can help save you from expensive homeowners’ insurance claims.

Did you know…

• Overloaded extension cords or lighting equipment was responsible for starting almost half (40%) of home Christmas tree fires in 2011-2015;
• Poorly placed and unattended candles accounted for 1/3 of all home decoration fires and started 8% of home Christmas tree structure fires; and
• Heating equipment was involved in 15% of the Christmas tree fires*

Check out these three tips to keep your holiday merry and bright!

Practice safe holiday decorating and have a Happy New Year!

*According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Two facts about Halloween: 1) Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than any other day of the year according to Safe Kids Worldwide.  2) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween is one of the top three days of the year for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. So, drivers and parents need to pay extra attention.

Related Links: Umbrella Liability

What's a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks?

Who didn't handle sparklers as a kid? I know I did. But did you know hand-held sparklers burn at temperatures of around 2,000 degrees F? That's hot enough to cause third-degree burns and melt some metals!

Let's let these facts* tell the story...

• In 2017, 14% of the injuries reported were from sparklers, which are number-one cause of fireworks injuries
• Each year, firework injuries are in the thousands
• On average, 1,300 structure fires are caused by fireworks, including 300 vehicle fires
• In 2017, there were eight firework-related deaths to people ranging in age from four to 57
• Approximately 12,900 fireworks-related injuries were reported at hospital emergency departments in 2017, mostly occurring two weeks prior and after the July Fourth holiday

Misuse and malfunction were the primary causes for injury including:

• Setting off fireworks improperly and by hand
• Throwing lit fireworks at someone
• Dismantling and manufacturing fireworks
• Lighting fireworks too close to someone
• Trying to re-ignite dud fireworks
• Placing fireworks too close to a heat source
• Tip-over incidents
• Debris
• Errant flight paths
• Exploding fireworks while still in the tube
• Sparks exiting from the rear of the device

If you're going to handle fireworks, use them responsibly, safely and follow the law. Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

Related links:
Fireworks safety tips
Homeowners Insurance

*Source: U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC)

Now that summer is "officially" here, one thing is certain — even the simplest activities can go wrong.

Using sports equipment like tennis racquets, baseballs, baseball bats, flying saucers, lawn darts, or horseshoes has the potential to harm others. So does the use of skateboards, bikes, mopeds, go-karts, and radio-controlled cars, drones, helicopters and planes.  What can possibly happen when you have friends over to use your driveway, play equipment or swimming pool?

Potential liability comes from either you having fun at the expense of others or their property, or failing to take precautions for those you've invited to your residence (or other places).

Preserve Your Summer Fun
The easiest way to prepare for summer-activity liability is to ask yourself these questions:

• What can I do to keep others safe from my activities?
• Am I prepared to be responsible for people I hurt or property I damage?
• How do I make my home and yard safe for fun-seeking visitors?
• Am I keeping my guests to various events safe?

While accidents happen, many can be prevented by making sure that you and your children enjoy your activities responsibly. Operating bikes safely and in low traffic areas reduces the chance that others will be hurt. The proper use of games and equipment also make the likelihood of having someone injured more remote. In other words, it's important that your family uses sports and game equipment safely and appropriately.

Adult supervision is critical for potentially dangerous activities such as the use of motorized recreational equipment, trampolines, and swimming pools (including small wading pools). It's also important to make certain that guests you invite for camping or hiking trips are watched after carefully. In many instances, you are responsible for the safety of your guests when you invite them to enjoy outdoor activities, particularly boating or other activities involving water-related equipment.

How Does Liability Insurance Play a Role?
When accidents happen, they may be followed by medical expenses and, more seriously, lawsuits. Wouldn't you want to be  protected against such financial consequences?

Don't assume you have coverage — especially when an activity involves motorized or powered equipment. You may have to add coverage to your homeowner's policy or even buy special coverage for mini-bikes, mopeds, boats, all-terrain vehicles, etc.

Make safety part of getting ready for summer fun. Contact your insurance professional to make sure you have the right coverage to support a fun summer!

Related links: Umbrella Liability