Miller's Messenger: July 2012

Page 1

Why Your Company Needs Businessruption InterInsurance

Miller’s

Messenger

Contributed by Tricia Cichon Vice-President of Commercial Insurance Operations

Miller’s is a full service agency! Save up to 24% by trusting Miller’s with all your insurance & financial needs! Home Insurance Auto Insurance Tenant Condo, Townhouse Builders Risk Watercraft Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Antiques & Collectables Life Insurance Investment Strategies* Retirement Strategies* Estate & Business Strategies* Individual Disability Insurance* Long-Term Care Funding*

Seasonal Property Special Event Liability Farm Insurance Equine Insurance Apartment Buildings Restaurants Commercial Auto Workers Compensation Risk Management Services Property & General Liability Surety Bonds In-Land Marine Business Package Employee Benefits Plans & more!

For most companies, business interruption insurance may be as important for survival as fire coverage. It is difficult to find a business that does not have coverage protecting against windstorms and fire damage. However, too many business owners do not consider how they would continue functioning if a windstorm or fire actually did damage their property. This is especially true with small business owners. Business Interruption Insurance is not sold independently, but as an additional coverage on a property insurance policy. In some cases, it may be included in a package policy for business owners. Businesses that must completely cease operations while the premises are repaired often lose money to their competitors. Quickly resuming business after a disaster is essential for survival. If a company must vacate the premises because of damages from a disaster, business interruption coverage extends protection for lost income. It also provides coverage for the profits that would have been earned if the business had not sustained damage...

Win an

Introducing Miller’s NEW

“Rock the Referral”

Newsletter of Miller’s Insurance Agency July 2012

Serving the Tri-State Area & Central Pa. since 1975.

Featured Topics: - Storm Preparation Tips & Tricks - NEW: Miller’s Financial Services - When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor’s Property... - Business Interruption Insurance - Herbs, Spices & Antioxidants - Six Tips for Insuring Young Drivers

Visit www.miainc.com to view & shares an enlarged web version of this newsletter. 255 West Uwchlan Ave. Downingtown, Pa. 19335 www.miainc.com

We are giving away gift cards & a free iPad every month!

STORM PREP

& Recovery

Check out www.miainc.com Search “Storm Prep”

To-do lists Safety Checklists Tips to care for kids, elderly, pets & livestock Steps to filing a claim & recovering your losses

For Every Referral Monthly Drawing

For EACH referral you submit to Miller’s, you will receive a Wawa gift card! With each referral you will be entered into our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

How to participate: Have your friends/family call our office & mention your name to receive your gift card & be entered to win! Contest open to everyone. No purchase necessary to be eligible to win. All prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of each month. Refferrals to Miller’s Financial Services, Co. are not eligible in this program.

Call 610-269-4500

Starting in the month of July... refer & win in Miller’s Insurance Agency’s

“Rock the Referral” Program!

Miller’s websites:

your go-to resource. - Request A Quote, Ask A Question - Pay Your Bill - Refer & Recommend Miller’s - Request A Certificate - Contact Information - Financial Calculators - Articles & Checklists - Expert Advice ...and more!

Since 1975 Miller’s has protected the community with solutions from these, and more, respected insurance companies.

Office: 610.269.4500 M, W, F 9am to 6pm; T, TH 9am to 7pm Saturday 9am to 2pm

Program

Starting July 1st, submit referrals to Miller’s– for EACH referral you will receive a Wawa gift card in the mail & be entered in our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

Read the rest of this article & watch our “1-Minute of the Unthinkable” video! Search “Business Interruption Insurance” on Miller’s website - www.miainc.com

*Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. PO Box 64284, St. Paul, MN 55164. 1 (800) 800-2638. Miller’s Financial Services, Co. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities.

iPad

Tom Skelley, COO/Partner, is ready to award our July iPad winner!

www.miainc.com www.millersfinancial.com


Why Your Company Needs Businessruption InterInsurance

Miller’s

Messenger

Contributed by Tricia Cichon Vice-President of Commercial Insurance Operations

Miller’s is a full service agency! Save up to 24% by trusting Miller’s with all your insurance & financial needs! Home Insurance Auto Insurance Tenant Condo, Townhouse Builders Risk Watercraft Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Antiques & Collectables Life Insurance Investment Strategies* Retirement Strategies* Estate & Business Strategies* Individual Disability Insurance* Long-Term Care Funding*

Seasonal Property Special Event Liability Farm Insurance Equine Insurance Apartment Buildings Restaurants Commercial Auto Workers Compensation Risk Management Services Property & General Liability Surety Bonds In-Land Marine Business Package Employee Benefits Plans & more!

For most companies, business interruption insurance may be as important for survival as fire coverage. It is difficult to find a business that does not have coverage protecting against windstorms and fire damage. However, too many business owners do not consider how they would continue functioning if a windstorm or fire actually did damage their property. This is especially true with small business owners. Business Interruption Insurance is not sold independently, but as an additional coverage on a property insurance policy. In some cases, it may be included in a package policy for business owners. Businesses that must completely cease operations while the premises are repaired often lose money to their competitors. Quickly resuming business after a disaster is essential for survival. If a company must vacate the premises because of damages from a disaster, business interruption coverage extends protection for lost income. It also provides coverage for the profits that would have been earned if the business had not sustained damage...

Win an

Introducing Miller’s NEW

“Rock the Referral”

Newsletter of Miller’s Insurance Agency July 2012

Serving the Tri-State Area & Central Pa. since 1975.

Featured Topics: - Storm Preparation Tips & Tricks - NEW: Miller’s Financial Services - When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor’s Property... - Business Interruption Insurance - Herbs, Spices & Antioxidants - Six Tips for Insuring Young Drivers

Visit www.miainc.com to view & shares an enlarged web version of this newsletter. 255 West Uwchlan Ave. Downingtown, Pa. 19335 www.miainc.com

We are giving away gift cards & a free iPad every month!

STORM PREP

& Recovery

Check out www.miainc.com Search “Storm Prep”

To-do lists Safety Checklists Tips to care for kids, elderly, pets & livestock Steps to filing a claim & recovering your losses

For Every Referral Monthly Drawing

For EACH referral you submit to Miller’s, you will receive a Wawa gift card! With each referral you will be entered into our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

How to participate: Have your friends/family call our office & mention your name to receive your gift card & be entered to win! Contest open to everyone. No purchase necessary to be eligible to win. All prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of each month. Refferrals to Miller’s Financial Services, Co. are not eligible in this program.

Call 610-269-4500

Starting in the month of July... refer & win in Miller’s Insurance Agency’s

“Rock the Referral” Program!

Miller’s websites:

your go-to resource. - Request A Quote, Ask A Question - Pay Your Bill - Refer & Recommend Miller’s - Request A Certificate - Contact Information - Financial Calculators - Articles & Checklists - Expert Advice ...and more!

Since 1975 Miller’s has protected the community with solutions from these, and more, respected insurance companies.

Office: 610.269.4500 M, W, F 9am to 6pm; T, TH 9am to 7pm Saturday 9am to 2pm

Program

Starting July 1st, submit referrals to Miller’s– for EACH referral you will receive a Wawa gift card in the mail & be entered in our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

Read the rest of this article & watch our “1-Minute of the Unthinkable” video! Search “Business Interruption Insurance” on Miller’s website - www.miainc.com

*Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. PO Box 64284, St. Paul, MN 55164. 1 (800) 800-2638. Miller’s Financial Services, Co. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities.

iPad

Tom Skelley, COO/Partner, is ready to award our July iPad winner!

www.miainc.com www.millersfinancial.com


Why Your Company Needs Businessruption InterInsurance

Miller’s

Messenger

Contributed by Tricia Cichon Vice-President of Commercial Insurance Operations

Miller’s is a full service agency! Save up to 24% by trusting Miller’s with all your insurance & financial needs! Home Insurance Auto Insurance Tenant Condo, Townhouse Builders Risk Watercraft Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Antiques & Collectables Life Insurance Investment Strategies* Retirement Strategies* Estate & Business Strategies* Individual Disability Insurance* Long-Term Care Funding*

Seasonal Property Special Event Liability Farm Insurance Equine Insurance Apartment Buildings Restaurants Commercial Auto Workers Compensation Risk Management Services Property & General Liability Surety Bonds In-Land Marine Business Package Employee Benefits Plans & more!

For most companies, business interruption insurance may be as important for survival as fire coverage. It is difficult to find a business that does not have coverage protecting against windstorms and fire damage. However, too many business owners do not consider how they would continue functioning if a windstorm or fire actually did damage their property. This is especially true with small business owners. Business Interruption Insurance is not sold independently, but as an additional coverage on a property insurance policy. In some cases, it may be included in a package policy for business owners. Businesses that must completely cease operations while the premises are repaired often lose money to their competitors. Quickly resuming business after a disaster is essential for survival. If a company must vacate the premises because of damages from a disaster, business interruption coverage extends protection for lost income. It also provides coverage for the profits that would have been earned if the business had not sustained damage...

Win an

Introducing Miller’s NEW

“Rock the Referral”

Newsletter of Miller’s Insurance Agency July 2012

Serving the Tri-State Area & Central Pa. since 1975.

Featured Topics: - Storm Preparation Tips & Tricks - NEW: Miller’s Financial Services - When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor’s Property... - Business Interruption Insurance - Herbs, Spices & Antioxidants - Six Tips for Insuring Young Drivers

Visit www.miainc.com to view & shares an enlarged web version of this newsletter. 255 West Uwchlan Ave. Downingtown, Pa. 19335 www.miainc.com

We are giving away gift cards & a free iPad every month!

STORM PREP

& Recovery

Check out www.miainc.com Search “Storm Prep”

To-do lists Safety Checklists Tips to care for kids, elderly, pets & livestock Steps to filing a claim & recovering your losses

For Every Referral Monthly Drawing

For EACH referral you submit to Miller’s, you will receive a Wawa gift card! With each referral you will be entered into our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

How to participate: Have your friends/family call our office & mention your name to receive your gift card & be entered to win! Contest open to everyone. No purchase necessary to be eligible to win. All prizes will be distributed at the conclusion of each month. Refferrals to Miller’s Financial Services, Co. are not eligible in this program.

Call 610-269-4500

Starting in the month of July... refer & win in Miller’s Insurance Agency’s

“Rock the Referral” Program!

Miller’s websites:

your go-to resource. - Request A Quote, Ask A Question - Pay Your Bill - Refer & Recommend Miller’s - Request A Certificate - Contact Information - Financial Calculators - Articles & Checklists - Expert Advice ...and more!

Since 1975 Miller’s has protected the community with solutions from these, and more, respected insurance companies.

Office: 610.269.4500 M, W, F 9am to 6pm; T, TH 9am to 7pm Saturday 9am to 2pm

Program

Starting July 1st, submit referrals to Miller’s– for EACH referral you will receive a Wawa gift card in the mail & be entered in our monthly drawing to win an iPad!

Read the rest of this article & watch our “1-Minute of the Unthinkable” video! Search “Business Interruption Insurance” on Miller’s website - www.miainc.com

*Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. PO Box 64284, St. Paul, MN 55164. 1 (800) 800-2638. Miller’s Financial Services, Co. and Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. are not affiliated entities.

iPad

Tom Skelley, COO/Partner, is ready to award our July iPad winner!

www.miainc.com www.millersfinancial.com


Well Being

Who Pays for Damages When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor's Property?

Some studies indicate that the herbs and spices we use in cooking might be doing more than just giving our taste buds a boost.

Your trees can cause real problems if one topples and lands on your neighbor's property.

One single gram (half a teaspoon) of cloves provides the same antioxidant benefits that a half-cup of blueberries or cranberries would. A ½ teaspoon of dried oregano is the antioxidant equivalent of ½ cup of sweet potatoes.

Who is legally responsible for paying to repair that damage? If you answered, "I am," you would be wrong. Your neighbor would have to submit a claim to their insurer under “wind and lightning” damage, which is usually covered in most standard homeowners policies. Since your carrier doesn't have to pay, your policy won't be impacted & your insurance premiums won't increase. However, you may not be off the hook for liability - your neighbor might decide to sue you to cover their deductible. The only instance where you are required to pay for the damage is when the damage resulted from YOUR negligence. You could be held liable if your tree was dying/dead before it fell and you did nothing to prevent the damage. In this case, your insurance carrier would have to cover the repairs. In addition, if your neighbor files a lawsuit against you alleging negligence, your insurer would be required to defend you and investigate the claim. If you are found to be legally responsible for the damage, your carrier will pay up to your policy limits. Your neighbor can also submit a liability claim against your homeowner's insurance policy. Of course, the best way to avoid a situation like this is to prevent it from happening. If you have a tree on your property that looks unhealthy, consider having it checked or removed. It may seem like a large expense, but it may avoid increased insurance premiums. Equally as important, removing the possible risk of damage will help you maintain a good relationship with your neighbor…and that is worth its weight in gold!

…a friendly reminder from the Personal Lines Team at Miller’s. Top row, Left to Right Joe Weidner, Mike Staffieri, Doug Meyer, Brandon Miller, Andy Bowers, Bryan Gift Middle Row, Left to Right Kristin Leayman, Beth Stanley, Amy Keenan, Karen Harris Bottom Row, Left to Right Cheryl Eckenroth, Maureen Felizzi, Nancy Lee, Ashley Smith, Stephanie Hilmer Missing Chaz Kochel, Elaine Sack & Maureen Ritins

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” - Erma Bombeck

6

Know your herbs, spices & antioxidants -

an easy way to improve your health! Fresh: Lemon Marjoram Oregano Peppermint Sage Thyme

Dried: Allspice Basil Cinnamon Cloves Marjoram Oregano Saffron Tarragon Thyme

Maureen Felizzi, Personal Lines Account Manager, passed the 2nd of her CISR courses. Jason Forsythe, Client Advocate for Miller’s Financial Services, passed the 3rd credit (of 8) to earn his CLU designation.

A Round Of Applause

Chaz Kochel, Personal Lines Intern, passed his P&C license test. Amy Wise, Commercial Lines Account Manager, passed the 1st credit of 5 toward earning her CIC designation.

NEW! A higher standard

of retirement, investment and insurance solutions.

Tips for Insuring Young Drivers Contributed by Fran Shaw President/Partner

Now that your blood pressure has recovered from giving your teenage driver their first driving lessons, it's time to add him or her to your insurance policy. But teenage drivers and young adults are historically risky clients for insurance companies - and rates are generally reflective. What is the best way to manage the situation? Here are some things you and your new driver can do to keep premiums affordable. Avoid Tickets and Accidents While obvious to an adult; it may not register yet with a teen. Impress the importance of maintaining a good driving record. Moving violations get recorded, and reported to the insurance industry. Even a single accident or moving violation can cause your premiums to skyrocket. And a single DUI conviction? Better invest in a bus pass, because those are the only wheels your kid will be taking for years. Coverage is almost impossible to purchase once a young driver gets a DUI. Keep it in the Family Insurers like it when everyone in the family signs up. So much so, in fact, that many of them will discount premiums on family members. It is generally much more efficient to add a young driver to an existing policy than it is to get a separate policy.

Tell Junior to Hit the Books Insurance actuaries - the bean counters who actually figure out the odds and set insurance rates - have long known that there is a correlation between good grades and good driving records. Kids who have the discipline and focus to do well in school statistically also have the judgment and impulse control not to get into a lot of accidents. Many insurance companies offer a discount to students with good report cards. If your youngster has a GPA of 3.0 or better, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance premiums. One idea: compare the difference in premiums with and without the discount - and make your teen pay the difference! Get an Older Car Older cars are generally less expensive to replace than a new car. This means that if your young driver totals a 10-year-old car, the insurance company has to pay less to replace the car than if she wrecks a brand new one. This translates to much lower insurance premiums if you carry collision coverage. Don't skimp on safety - but don't needlessly pay too much for a car for a young driver, either.

Skip Collision Coverage You may want to consider skipping collision coverage altogether. For older cars, the bigger risk isn't the cost of the car - it's covering your teenage or young adult driver against liability. You can recover from the cost of a single clunker. You can't recover from a $100,000 judgment. If your family can afford to replace an old car, consider dropping collision altogether and adding to liability coverage. Use Multi-Line Discounts Many companies will offer a discount if you use them for multiple lines of insurance. For example, if you have your homeowners or renters insurance policy with a company, and your life insurance, consider placing your car insurance with the same carrier as well.

Client-Centered.

www.millersfinancial.com

We are in the business of building long term relationships. We focus on our client’s needs, not sales goals. A product does not exist in isolation. It has value only if it contributes to a client’s financial success.

Transparency. Miller’s Financial Services operates under the principle that people make better decisions when their options are clear. We provide access to more than 30 insurance carriers and thousands of mutual fund and investment options. Our open architecture platform assures you unbiased advice.

Integrity. Integrity generates trust. The visible expression of our integrity is the level of service provided to our clients. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

OUR SERVICES. Investment Strategies

Mutual Funds Tax Deferred Annuities

Retirement Strategies

IRA Roth IRA 401k SEP Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

Life Insurance Estate & Business Strategies Employee Benefits

Group Health Insurance Group Life Insurance Group Disability Insurance Voluntary Employee-Paid Benefits

Individual Disability Insurance Long-Term Care Funding

For families. For businesses.


Well Being

Who Pays for Damages When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor's Property?

Some studies indicate that the herbs and spices we use in cooking might be doing more than just giving our taste buds a boost.

Your trees can cause real problems if one topples and lands on your neighbor's property.

One single gram (half a teaspoon) of cloves provides the same antioxidant benefits that a half-cup of blueberries or cranberries would. A ½ teaspoon of dried oregano is the antioxidant equivalent of ½ cup of sweet potatoes.

Who is legally responsible for paying to repair that damage? If you answered, "I am," you would be wrong. Your neighbor would have to submit a claim to their insurer under “wind and lightning” damage, which is usually covered in most standard homeowners policies. Since your carrier doesn't have to pay, your policy won't be impacted & your insurance premiums won't increase. However, you may not be off the hook for liability - your neighbor might decide to sue you to cover their deductible. The only instance where you are required to pay for the damage is when the damage resulted from YOUR negligence. You could be held liable if your tree was dying/dead before it fell and you did nothing to prevent the damage. In this case, your insurance carrier would have to cover the repairs. In addition, if your neighbor files a lawsuit against you alleging negligence, your insurer would be required to defend you and investigate the claim. If you are found to be legally responsible for the damage, your carrier will pay up to your policy limits. Your neighbor can also submit a liability claim against your homeowner's insurance policy. Of course, the best way to avoid a situation like this is to prevent it from happening. If you have a tree on your property that looks unhealthy, consider having it checked or removed. It may seem like a large expense, but it may avoid increased insurance premiums. Equally as important, removing the possible risk of damage will help you maintain a good relationship with your neighbor…and that is worth its weight in gold!

…a friendly reminder from the Personal Lines Team at Miller’s. Top row, Left to Right Joe Weidner, Mike Staffieri, Doug Meyer, Brandon Miller, Andy Bowers, Bryan Gift Middle Row, Left to Right Kristin Leayman, Beth Stanley, Amy Keenan, Karen Harris Bottom Row, Left to Right Cheryl Eckenroth, Maureen Felizzi, Nancy Lee, Ashley Smith, Stephanie Hilmer Missing Chaz Kochel, Elaine Sack & Maureen Ritins

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” - Erma Bombeck

6

Know your herbs, spices & antioxidants -

an easy way to improve your health! Fresh: Lemon Marjoram Oregano Peppermint Sage Thyme

Dried: Allspice Basil Cinnamon Cloves Marjoram Oregano Saffron Tarragon Thyme

Maureen Felizzi, Personal Lines Account Manager, passed the 2nd of her CISR courses. Jason Forsythe, Client Advocate for Miller’s Financial Services, passed the 3rd credit (of 8) to earn his CLU designation.

A Round Of Applause

Chaz Kochel, Personal Lines Intern, passed his P&C license test. Amy Wise, Commercial Lines Account Manager, passed the 1st credit of 5 toward earning her CIC designation.

NEW! A higher standard

of retirement, investment and insurance solutions.

Tips for Insuring Young Drivers Contributed by Fran Shaw President/Partner

Now that your blood pressure has recovered from giving your teenage driver their first driving lessons, it's time to add him or her to your insurance policy. But teenage drivers and young adults are historically risky clients for insurance companies - and rates are generally reflective. What is the best way to manage the situation? Here are some things you and your new driver can do to keep premiums affordable. Avoid Tickets and Accidents While obvious to an adult; it may not register yet with a teen. Impress the importance of maintaining a good driving record. Moving violations get recorded, and reported to the insurance industry. Even a single accident or moving violation can cause your premiums to skyrocket. And a single DUI conviction? Better invest in a bus pass, because those are the only wheels your kid will be taking for years. Coverage is almost impossible to purchase once a young driver gets a DUI. Keep it in the Family Insurers like it when everyone in the family signs up. So much so, in fact, that many of them will discount premiums on family members. It is generally much more efficient to add a young driver to an existing policy than it is to get a separate policy.

Tell Junior to Hit the Books Insurance actuaries - the bean counters who actually figure out the odds and set insurance rates - have long known that there is a correlation between good grades and good driving records. Kids who have the discipline and focus to do well in school statistically also have the judgment and impulse control not to get into a lot of accidents. Many insurance companies offer a discount to students with good report cards. If your youngster has a GPA of 3.0 or better, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance premiums. One idea: compare the difference in premiums with and without the discount - and make your teen pay the difference! Get an Older Car Older cars are generally less expensive to replace than a new car. This means that if your young driver totals a 10-year-old car, the insurance company has to pay less to replace the car than if she wrecks a brand new one. This translates to much lower insurance premiums if you carry collision coverage. Don't skimp on safety - but don't needlessly pay too much for a car for a young driver, either.

Skip Collision Coverage You may want to consider skipping collision coverage altogether. For older cars, the bigger risk isn't the cost of the car - it's covering your teenage or young adult driver against liability. You can recover from the cost of a single clunker. You can't recover from a $100,000 judgment. If your family can afford to replace an old car, consider dropping collision altogether and adding to liability coverage. Use Multi-Line Discounts Many companies will offer a discount if you use them for multiple lines of insurance. For example, if you have your homeowners or renters insurance policy with a company, and your life insurance, consider placing your car insurance with the same carrier as well.

Client-Centered.

www.millersfinancial.com

We are in the business of building long term relationships. We focus on our client’s needs, not sales goals. A product does not exist in isolation. It has value only if it contributes to a client’s financial success.

Transparency. Miller’s Financial Services operates under the principle that people make better decisions when their options are clear. We provide access to more than 30 insurance carriers and thousands of mutual fund and investment options. Our open architecture platform assures you unbiased advice.

Integrity. Integrity generates trust. The visible expression of our integrity is the level of service provided to our clients. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

OUR SERVICES. Investment Strategies

Mutual Funds Tax Deferred Annuities

Retirement Strategies

IRA Roth IRA 401k SEP Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

Life Insurance Estate & Business Strategies Employee Benefits

Group Health Insurance Group Life Insurance Group Disability Insurance Voluntary Employee-Paid Benefits

Individual Disability Insurance Long-Term Care Funding

For families. For businesses.


Well Being

Who Pays for Damages When Your Tree Falls on a Neighbor's Property?

Some studies indicate that the herbs and spices we use in cooking might be doing more than just giving our taste buds a boost.

Your trees can cause real problems if one topples and lands on your neighbor's property.

One single gram (half a teaspoon) of cloves provides the same antioxidant benefits that a half-cup of blueberries or cranberries would. A ½ teaspoon of dried oregano is the antioxidant equivalent of ½ cup of sweet potatoes.

Who is legally responsible for paying to repair that damage? If you answered, "I am," you would be wrong. Your neighbor would have to submit a claim to their insurer under “wind and lightning” damage, which is usually covered in most standard homeowners policies. Since your carrier doesn't have to pay, your policy won't be impacted & your insurance premiums won't increase. However, you may not be off the hook for liability - your neighbor might decide to sue you to cover their deductible. The only instance where you are required to pay for the damage is when the damage resulted from YOUR negligence. You could be held liable if your tree was dying/dead before it fell and you did nothing to prevent the damage. In this case, your insurance carrier would have to cover the repairs. In addition, if your neighbor files a lawsuit against you alleging negligence, your insurer would be required to defend you and investigate the claim. If you are found to be legally responsible for the damage, your carrier will pay up to your policy limits. Your neighbor can also submit a liability claim against your homeowner's insurance policy. Of course, the best way to avoid a situation like this is to prevent it from happening. If you have a tree on your property that looks unhealthy, consider having it checked or removed. It may seem like a large expense, but it may avoid increased insurance premiums. Equally as important, removing the possible risk of damage will help you maintain a good relationship with your neighbor…and that is worth its weight in gold!

…a friendly reminder from the Personal Lines Team at Miller’s. Top row, Left to Right Joe Weidner, Mike Staffieri, Doug Meyer, Brandon Miller, Andy Bowers, Bryan Gift Middle Row, Left to Right Kristin Leayman, Beth Stanley, Amy Keenan, Karen Harris Bottom Row, Left to Right Cheryl Eckenroth, Maureen Felizzi, Nancy Lee, Ashley Smith, Stephanie Hilmer Missing Chaz Kochel, Elaine Sack & Maureen Ritins

“Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died.” - Erma Bombeck

6

Know your herbs, spices & antioxidants -

an easy way to improve your health! Fresh: Lemon Marjoram Oregano Peppermint Sage Thyme

Dried: Allspice Basil Cinnamon Cloves Marjoram Oregano Saffron Tarragon Thyme

Maureen Felizzi, Personal Lines Account Manager, passed the 2nd of her CISR courses. Jason Forsythe, Client Advocate for Miller’s Financial Services, passed the 3rd credit (of 8) to earn his CLU designation.

A Round Of Applause

Chaz Kochel, Personal Lines Intern, passed his P&C license test. Amy Wise, Commercial Lines Account Manager, passed the 1st credit of 5 toward earning her CIC designation.

NEW! A higher standard

of retirement, investment and insurance solutions.

Tips for Insuring Young Drivers Contributed by Fran Shaw President/Partner

Now that your blood pressure has recovered from giving your teenage driver their first driving lessons, it's time to add him or her to your insurance policy. But teenage drivers and young adults are historically risky clients for insurance companies - and rates are generally reflective. What is the best way to manage the situation? Here are some things you and your new driver can do to keep premiums affordable. Avoid Tickets and Accidents While obvious to an adult; it may not register yet with a teen. Impress the importance of maintaining a good driving record. Moving violations get recorded, and reported to the insurance industry. Even a single accident or moving violation can cause your premiums to skyrocket. And a single DUI conviction? Better invest in a bus pass, because those are the only wheels your kid will be taking for years. Coverage is almost impossible to purchase once a young driver gets a DUI. Keep it in the Family Insurers like it when everyone in the family signs up. So much so, in fact, that many of them will discount premiums on family members. It is generally much more efficient to add a young driver to an existing policy than it is to get a separate policy.

Tell Junior to Hit the Books Insurance actuaries - the bean counters who actually figure out the odds and set insurance rates - have long known that there is a correlation between good grades and good driving records. Kids who have the discipline and focus to do well in school statistically also have the judgment and impulse control not to get into a lot of accidents. Many insurance companies offer a discount to students with good report cards. If your youngster has a GPA of 3.0 or better, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance premiums. One idea: compare the difference in premiums with and without the discount - and make your teen pay the difference! Get an Older Car Older cars are generally less expensive to replace than a new car. This means that if your young driver totals a 10-year-old car, the insurance company has to pay less to replace the car than if she wrecks a brand new one. This translates to much lower insurance premiums if you carry collision coverage. Don't skimp on safety - but don't needlessly pay too much for a car for a young driver, either.

Skip Collision Coverage You may want to consider skipping collision coverage altogether. For older cars, the bigger risk isn't the cost of the car - it's covering your teenage or young adult driver against liability. You can recover from the cost of a single clunker. You can't recover from a $100,000 judgment. If your family can afford to replace an old car, consider dropping collision altogether and adding to liability coverage. Use Multi-Line Discounts Many companies will offer a discount if you use them for multiple lines of insurance. For example, if you have your homeowners or renters insurance policy with a company, and your life insurance, consider placing your car insurance with the same carrier as well.

Client-Centered.

www.millersfinancial.com

We are in the business of building long term relationships. We focus on our client’s needs, not sales goals. A product does not exist in isolation. It has value only if it contributes to a client’s financial success.

Transparency. Miller’s Financial Services operates under the principle that people make better decisions when their options are clear. We provide access to more than 30 insurance carriers and thousands of mutual fund and investment options. Our open architecture platform assures you unbiased advice.

Integrity. Integrity generates trust. The visible expression of our integrity is the level of service provided to our clients. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

OUR SERVICES. Investment Strategies

Mutual Funds Tax Deferred Annuities

Retirement Strategies

IRA Roth IRA 401k SEP Non-qualified Deferred Compensation

Life Insurance Estate & Business Strategies Employee Benefits

Group Health Insurance Group Life Insurance Group Disability Insurance Voluntary Employee-Paid Benefits

Individual Disability Insurance Long-Term Care Funding

For families. For businesses.


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