How Well Do You Know Your Insurance Policy?

You buy insurance hoping never to need it. But if you ever did have to file a claim, would you really know what your policy covers and, more importantly, what it doesn't?

Have you even looked at your insurance policy in the last year? Have you ever reviewed the policy? If you had a big loss, do you know what you will actually collect?

If you answered no to any of these questions, you could be in for a costly surprise when you need to file an insurance claim. But you're not alone. That's why it is so important to review an insurance policy—especially one you may not have looked at for quite some time—on a periodic basis.

It's no wonder consumers make big mistakes. Let's review some of the more expensive ones to avoid...

Not knowing your limits

About 1 in 7 drivers on the road has no auto insurance. What if one of them hits you? Other than suing, you have to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects you if the other driver doesn't have adequate insurance.

Not having high enough limits yourself can leave you in real financial distress, especially if you were severely injured. In such a case, your policy will pay, but only up to your limits. Your financial impact could be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Think about those medical expenses, lost wages and possible construction costs to make your house wheelchair-accessible.

Ignoring policy limits when buying insurance is like disregarding location when purchasing real estate. Since inadequate limits don't become an issue until there's a claim, many policyholders are gambling—they just don't know it yet.

Forgetting insurance in estate planning

Have you placed your home in a trust? Did you forget to tell your insurance agent? That could result in no coverage and could cost you upward of hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's because your home is no longer insured, since the owner—the trust—is not on the policy.

Sound confusing? Just wait until you have a claim. An insurance policy is a contract based on the information provided on the original application. Making changes to property ownership without advising the insurance company can invalidate the policy because it conflicts with the basis on which the insurer issued coverage.

Not assessing your biggest asset

Lifestyle changes also impact insurance coverage. Take one of your biggest assets: your home. Is it properly protected? For example, leaving your home unoccupied for an extended period or renting to a tenant can result in a claim being totally denied because these situations can violate the policy's terms.

Unoccupied homes are more likely to incur damage when no one is around to maintain the property (think water pipes freezing in the winter when the heat's turned down). Or the renter—a college student, for example—doesn't take care of the property or represents different moral hazards.

As the property owner, you can be sued for what goes on there. Also make sure your liability limits are sufficient. Liability coverage in your homeowners policy protects you if you are sued. Check that "defense costs" are included as well.

Many people do not know that some disasters, such as flood, earthquake and sewer backup, are not covered in a standard homeowners policy and usually require separate coverage. Think about the devastation any of those events can cause. Losses of tens of thousands of dollars can occur in just moments.

The additional cost to cover these events is usually very reasonable relative to the possible expense of repairs.Most insurance agents will raise these issues, but many homeowners procrastinate and never add the coverage. Many mortgage lenders will require the homeowner to take flood insurance if they live in a flood zone. But once the mortgage is paid off, homeowners often drop the policy.

When you don't know what you don't know, having periodic conversations with your insurance agent or financial advisor should alleviate some of these risks. Make sure your policy reflects your life, contact Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. today!

3 Things You May Not Know About Medicare Part D

Along with falling leaves, dried cornstalks and carved pumpkins, October ushers in Medicare Open Enrollment season (Oct. 15- Dec. 7). So as you get ready to greet trick-or-treaters, you might also want to brush up on your Medicare benefits.

Many people take at least one prescription medication every day, so Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and costs may be a top concern. Here are 3 things you may want to consider as you review your current Part D coverage, research different plans or estimate your drug costs for 2015.

1. Split-tier deductible plans: If your Part D plan has a deductible, you pay the total cost of your drugs until you reach the deductible amount set by your plan. Some plans may have a deductible for only specific drug tiers. For example, your plan may have a deductible for higher-tier drugs and no deductible for lower-tier drugs. In this case, your plan coverage for a lower-tier drug would start with the first prescription you fill, but you would pay the total cost of higher-tier drugs until you reached the deductible amount. Then your plan coverage would kick in. It’s important to understand a plan’s drug formulary, tier system and cost structure in order to estimate and compare costs.

2. Coverage gap (donut hole) costs: You may know about the coverage gap and that you pay more for your drugs if you enter it, but did you know your costs in the gap are going down? In 2015, you will pay 45% of your plan’s cost for covered brand-name drugs and 65% of your plan’s cost for covered generic drugs (down from 47.5% and 72% in 2014, respectively). Not everyone will enter the coverage gap because their drug costs won’t be high enough. But if you do, you can look forward to more savings in 2015.

3. Extra Part D premium amount: You might pay an extra amount in addition to the plan premium for Part D coverage if your income is above the limit set by Medicare. The income limit is $85,000 for single individuals and married individuals filing separately or $170,000 for married couples filing jointly. The extra amount you may pay will vary depending on your reported income, but it would be the same for any plan (though each plan sets its own base premium and these can vary). The extra payment may be deducted from your Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or Office of Personnel Management check along with other premium payments, or you may be billed if you don’t get any of these benefits.

Remember, you can change your coverage choices during Open Enrollment, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. Making changes is easy. Usually you can simply enroll in a new drug plan, if you choose to do so. You will automatically be dis-enrolled from your previous plan. If your previous plan was a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes drug coverage, you will be dis-enrolled from that plan and will get your coverage through Original Medicare instead. In this case, you may also want to consider a Medicare supplement insurance plan to help with some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.

For more information, contact Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. and/or Senior Choices NW with all of your questions about your coverage.  We'll make it easy for you and save you a whole lot of hassles!

6 Things to Know about Fall Open Enrollment

October 15 to December 7 is when ALL people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2014. Information on 2015 plans is available now at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. (MIM) and our subsidiary Senior Choices NW (SCNW). 

Fall Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can change your Medicare coverage. You can do this by joining a new Medicare Advantage plan or by joining a new stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). You can also return to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone Part D plan from a Medicare Advantage plan during this time. Listed below are six things to keep in mind while you are deciding on your Medicare coverage.

1. Fall Open Enrollment occurs from October 15 to December 7 of every year.    

• If you enroll in a plan during Fall Open Enrollment, your coverage starts January 1.

• In most cases, Fall Open Enrollment is the only time you can pick a new Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan.

• If you have Medicare Advantage, you can also switch to Original Medicare. To get Medicare drug coverage, you can must join a stand-alone Part D plan at this time. A Medigap policy helps pay Original Medicare costs, but you may be limited in your ability to buy a Medigap during the Fall Open Enrollment period, depending on where you live. 

2. Review your Current Medicare Health and Drug Coverage. 

• If you have Original Medicare, take a look at next year's Medicare & You handbook to know your Medicare costs and benefits for the upcoming year. If you are unsatisfied with your Original Medicare coverage, you can make changes to your coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. Changes made to your coverage will take effect January 1 of the next year.

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D plan, you should receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and/or Evidence of Coverage (EOC) from your plan. Review these notices for any changes in the plan's costs, benefits and rules for the upcoming year. If you are disatisfied with any changes, you can make changes to your coverage during Fall Open Enrollment. Changes made to your coverage will take effect January 1 of the next year.

• Even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, take action and look at other Medicare options in your area that may better suit your individual needs in the upcoming year. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you should check to see if there is another plan in your area that will offer you better health and/or drug coverage at a more affordable price. Research shows that people with Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year.  For example, another Part D plan in your area may cover the drugs you take with fewer restrictions and charge you less.

3. Help is out there. 

• If you want to join a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) , use the Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. The Plan Finder tool compares plans based on the drugs you need, the pharmacy you go to and your drug costs.
• If you want to join a Medicare Advantage plan, call 800-Medicare to find out what plans are in your area. When you receive the list of plans, check the plan websites to see which best fits your needs.
• After you have researched a plan online, call the plan itself to confirm what you learned. Make sure the plan includes your doctors and hospitals in its network. Confirm that the plan covers all your drugs, and that your pharmacies are in the preferred network. Write down everything about that conversation. In your notes, record the date of the conversation, whom you spoke with, and the outcome of the call. This information may help protect you in case a plan representative gives you misinformation.

• Or easier still, contact MIM/SCNW!  As a leading independent insurance agency in the Northwest, we represent most of the major Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans offered in the region.  SeniorChoices NW is one of the largest locally-owned Medicare Advantage field marketing organizations (FMO) in the Northwest. We’re committed to providing specialized service to each of our clients by contracting with the most reputable companies to be able to offer Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans that are the best “fit” for their healthcare needs and budgets. As an independent agency, SeniorChoices NW works with multiple insurance companies. That means we’re able to work with each client individually to find the solution based on their needs and not be limited to just a single insurance carrier.

4. The best way to enroll in a new plan is to call MIM/SCNW at 866-682-1878.

• We understand the critical importance of having access to affordable healthcare, and we want you to be able to shop for healthcare coverage with confidence, knowing your needs are our priority. Our agency does not charge any fees for its services. Our agents receive their compensation from the insurance companies, if and when their clients decide to enroll.

5. If you are dissatisfied with your Medicare Advantage plan, you can disenroll from that plan and join Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP).  

• The MADP is every year from January 1 to February 14.

6. Understand the difference between the Fall Open Enrollment Period and Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces.

• The Health Insurance Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges) will hold open enrollment for uninsured or underinsured Americans. The Marketplaces are not meant for people with Medicare. People with Medicare should not use this open enrollment period to purchase or change their health care.

• People with Medicare should continue to use the Fall Open Enrollment Period to review and make changes to their health coverage.

At Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc./SeniorChoices NW, we work hard to establish and maintain strong relationships with our clients and our healthcare partners to continue to be a leader in our industry. It is our goal to make obtaining Medicare coverage simple and straightforward. Give us a call toll-free today at 866-682-1878 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can help you get the medical coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Renters Insurance Checklist

If you rent a house or apartment, your landlord’s insurance will only cover the costs of repairing the building if there is a fire or other disaster. You need your own coverage, known as renters or tenants insurance in order to financially protect yourself and your belongings.

Renters insurance includes three important types of financial protection: 

• Coverage for Personal Possessions
• Liability Protection
• Additional Living Expenses 

The following checklist can help you choose the right coverage when you are shopping around for renters insurance or speaking with your insurance professional.

A. Coverage for Personal Possessions

1. How much insurance should I buy? Make sure you have enough insurance to replace all of your personal possessions in the event of a burglary, fire or other covered disaster.The easiest way to determine the value of all your personal possessions—including furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, kitchen utensils and even linens—is to create a home inventory. This is a detailed list of all of your personal possessions along with their estimated value. An up-to-date home inventory will also make filing an insurance claim faster and easier.
2. Should I get replacement cost or actual cash value coverage? An actual cash value policy pays to replace your possessions minus a deduction for depreciation whereas a replacement cost policy will pay the cost of replacing your possessions without accounting for depreciation. The price of replacement cost coverage is about 10 percent more but can be well worth the extra expense as the value of most items tends to depreciate quickly.
3. What disasters are—and are not—covered? Renters insurance covers you against losses from fire or smoke, lightning, vandalism, theft, explosion, windstorm and certain types of water damage (such as when the tenant upstairs leaves the water running in the bathtub and floods out your apartment or a burst pipe). Most renters insurance policies, however, do not cover floods. You can get this coverage from the same agent or company representative (MIM) who sold you the renters insurance policy. Earthquakes are not covered either. You can either get a separate policy or have it added as an “endorsement” to your renters policy, depending on where you live.
4. What is my deductible, and how does it work? A deductible is an amount of money you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. Deductibles are available as a specified dollar amount, typically $500, $1000 or $2000, though higher deductibles are available. The larger the deductible, the lower the premium charged for the same amount of coverage, so if you can afford a deductible of at least $1,000, you may get as much as 25 percent off your premium. Remember though, that you will be responsible for paying the deductible each time you file a claim.
5. What is a “floater” and do I need one? If you have expensive jewelry, furs, sports or musical equipment, or collectibles, consider adding a floater to your policy. Most standard renters policies offer only a limited dollar amount for such items; a floater is a separate policy that provides additional insurance for your valuables and covers them if they are accidentally lost. You will need to present receipts and/or appraisals for the items covered by the floater. It is important that expensive items be appraised properly as you will pay a premium based on the appraised value and in the event of a claim, be compensated for this dollar amount. You can ask your insurer (MIM) to recommend a reputable appraiser. For some items, like laptop computers, a stand-alone policy may also be an option. Check your renters policy first to see whether your laptop is covered and what the deductible is. 

B. Liability Protection

1. Do I have enough liability insurance in the event someone sues me? Renters insurance provides liability protection that covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage done by you, your family members and even your pets. This coverage pays for both the cost of defending you in court and court awards—up to the limit of your policy. Most standard renters insurance policies will generally provide at least $100,000 of liability coverage, but additional amounts are available. Consider whether the amount of liability coverage provided by your policy is sufficient to protect your assets.
2. Do I need an umbrella liability policy? If you need a large amount of liability protection, you can purchase a personal umbrella liability policy. An umbrella policy kicks in when you reach the limit on the underlying liability coverage provided by your renters or auto policy. It will also cover you for things such as libel and slander. For about $150 to $300 per year, you can buy a $1 million personal umbrella liability policy. Because the personal umbrella policy goes into effect after the underlying coverage is exhausted, there are certain limits that usually must be met in order to purchase this coverage.  

C. Additional Living Expenses

1. If I can’t live in my home after a disaster, will I be covered?   If your home is destroyed by a disaster that your policy covers and you need to live elsewhere, renters insurance provides additional living expenses (ALE). ALE pays for hotel bills, temporary rentals, restaurant meals and other expenses you incur while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. It is important to know out how much coverage you have, and what the limits are. Some companies provide coverage for a set amount of time, while others have a financial cap.

D. Other Coverages

1. I run a business out of my home; do I need supplemental coverage? A typical homeowners or renters policy provides only $2,500 coverage for business equipment which is generally not enough to replace all of the equipment required by even a small home business. You may also need coverage for liability and lost income. 
2. Am I covered if I am traveling or away from home? Most renters polices include what is called off-premises coverage. This means that belongings that are outside of your home are covered against the same disasters listed in your policy. For example, property stolen from your car would be covered. However some companies may limit the amount of off-premises theft to 10 percent of the amount of personal possessions insurance. 

E. Discounts

Insurance companies often offer discounts on renters insurance if you have another policy with them for your car or business. You can also get discounts if you:

• Have a security system
• Use smoke detectors
• Use deadbolt locks
• Have good credit
• Have multiple policies
• Stay with the same insurer
• Are over 55 years old 

Companies offer several types of discounts, but these can vary widely by company and by state, so review your options carefully with an agent at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc.

A Legacy of Love

He did the dishes,

Rubbed my feet,
Surprised me with tulips,
Took me to musicals even though he didn't like them,

Carried my bags while I did the shopping,
Held my hand.

He died of cancer four years ago.

Because he loved me,
I can stay in our home.
I can be here for our children.
I can afford to pay for their college education.
I can worry about the other things in life besides money.

He still loves me. And he still shows it.

If you want to show your family you'll still love them after you're gone, Randy Radke of Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc. can help. Give them the gift of a secure future with life insurance. Call today at (800) 762-4646 or click below for an instant quote.

Click HERE for your Free Quote!

Napa’s 6.0 Rumbler Brings Up Another Queasy Topic: Earthquake Insurance

The earthquake that jolted the Napa Valley last weekend upended more than wine barrels and mobile homes. It also was an unsettling reminder of how few Californians – homeowners and businesses alike – carry earthquake insurance.

In large part because of cost, complacency and the “it’ll-never-happen-to me” syndrome, Californians are more likely to own a swimming pool than an earthquake policy.

In the last decade, the number of individual Californians taking out earthquake policies dropped about 8 percent, from 1.21 million sold in 2004 to 1.11 million policies last year, according to state Department of Insurance figures. For businesses, the slippage was even more pronounced, plummeting 29 percent, from 119,900 policies sold in 2004 to 84,000 last year.

Overall, just 10 percent of California businesses and homeowners with property insurance also carry earthquake coverage.

Until Sunday’s 6.0 temblor, Napa Valley had not had a major quake that size since 1989.

Traditional homeowners policies do not cover damage from a quake. Earthquake coverage requires a separate policy, purchased from a homeowners insurance broker. In California, all home insurance providers are required to offer earthquake policies – and to send their policyholders a reminder every two years that such coverage is available.

Cost is a big reason so many people opt out of buying earthquake coverage. The average annual premium is $800 for a California homeowner; for a large business, premiums can run upward of $20,000.

As of late Tuesday, a preliminary estimate put damages and losses in Napa County – for the wine industry alone – at $38.2 million, according to the Napa County Emergency Operations Center.

For homeowners with earthquake coverage, premiums vary based on a home’s age, location, number of stories, foundation type and other factors. There’s also a sizable deductible, which for most homeowner policies is 10 percent to 15 percent of the insured value.

In the Napa region, less than 6 percent of homeowners and renters in Napa have earthquake policies, and less than 10 percent in Sonoma County.

Along with repairs, earthquake insurance for the business sector covers so-called “business interruption,” the loss in revenue when a retailer or other business is closed because of damage. Business interruption is often an uncalculated risk factor, especially for smaller businesses. When there is structural damage and customers can’t come in for some time, that can be a pretty big hit.

Auto Insurance Tips for Teens

Driving is an awesome privilege and a whole lot of fun, but with the ability to drive also comes a lot of responsibility. As teens, it’s important to know how to stay safe while out on the road. When you’re looking for car insurance, price is important, but other factors also come into play. Your age, gender, and even the type of car you drive can all have an influence on how much the auto insurance company will charge you. People like teens with little to no driving history will also have higher rates for a while until they can prove that they’re safe drivers. Once you’ve been driving for a while with no tickets or accidents, in most cases your insurance rates will decrease.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you’re a good driver and will be able to get great rates on your auto insurance:

• Never talk on the cell phone or text while driving.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Obey all signs and the speed limit.
• Make sure you use proper turn signals and use your headlights at night and in inclement weather.
• Try to keep focused while driving; distractions from music or friends can be dangerous.
• NEVER drink and drive! Always find a sober ride if you cannot get behind the wheel.
• Shop around for auto insurance rates to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Find out what your car insurance policy covers in the event of an accident.
• Be sure your tires, oil, and windshield wipers are properly maintained.
• Don’t drive with too many passengers for one car, and make sure everyone is seated and wearing their seat belt.

For more information on auto insurance options for the teenager in your house, contact Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc.  To locate a driver's education class in Oregon, check out http://www.dmv.com/or/oregon/drivers-ed.

Coming this weekend: Perseid Meteor Shower and a Super Moon

If you missed the supermoon earlier this summer, you're in luck. This weekend will feature the most super of supermoons in all of 2014. 

August 10th brings the start of the "Old Faithful" of meteor showers, the Perseids, as well as a super moon. The prolific Perseids show up once a year, in August, filling the night sky with as many as 80 shooting stars an hour. This year's show coincides with the arrival of a super moon, which occurs when the Earth and moon are at their closest. The full moon will appear as much as 30% brighter and 14% bigger than usual. The moon won't be this close to the Earth again until September 2015.

If you're lucky, you might see some Earth-grazing Perseids. These are unusually long and graceful meteors, less frequent but quite lovely. This year's Perseid shower won't be the wild, showy 80 meteors per hour that can happen when they arrive during moonless nights. Even so, a shooting star or two reminds us that looking heavenward is always rewarding.

And if you don't see a meteor, you'll still get to see a super moon. Super moons occur when a full moon and the Earth are closest in their orbits. The moon's closeness isn't just something to look up for. It also brings extra high and low tides, which make it a great time for beachcombing.

How To Check Your Skin For Signs of Skin Cancer

Is skin cancer a real risk for those living in the cloudy Pacific Northwest? You bet it is! You'd think a place with significantly less sun than Florida and Texas would have the lowest reported number of cases in the country. Oddly enough, Washington and Oregon have among the highest rates in the country.

To detect skin cancer early, examine your skin all over your body and watch for changes over time. By checking your skin regularly, you’ll learn what is normal for you. The best time to check your skin is after a shower or bath while using both a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror in a room with plenty of light.

Check yourself from head to toe:

• Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair. It may be hard to check your scalp by yourself.
• Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
• Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
• Check the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also check the skin all over your buttocks and genital area.
• Sit and closely examine your feet, including your toenails, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your toes.

Learn where your moles are and their usual look and feel. Check for anything new, such as…

• a new mole (that looks different from your other moles)
• a new red or darker color flaky patch that may be a little raised
• a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
• a sore that doesn’t heal
• a new flesh-colored firm bump

Write down the dates of your skin self-exams and make notes about the way your skin looks on those dates. You may find it helpful to take photos to help check for changes over time.

Seek medical attention if you find anything that you think might resemble skin cancer. Get help as soon as possible; consider calling your local clinic and making an appointment for the next day. When skin cancer is concerned, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Tips for Organizing a Neighborhood Block Party

Block parties are an easy and fun way to build a sense of community and meet new people. With these simple block party tips, you and your neighbors can host a fabulous block party without being overwhelmed by a lot of work!

1. Set a theme

Setting a theme gives direction to the event and aids in planning the party. Determine whether you want to have a day or evening block party, or one that spans across both. Do you want to have families wear distinctive colors to make members easily identifiable or feature a beach flair? Your theme can set the tone of the party, and then the remainder of the planning will center around that.

2. Location, location, location

The best place to have a block party is at a house in the middle of the block. It is also helpful to choose a house with a driveway in the front or one that has a circular drive to make it easier to watch the grill and restock ice.

3. What is allowed?

Check with your local city or town hall to learn if you need a permit, and/or to ask about the regulations with regard to blocking off access to your street. Many municipalities will provide barriers for the street that can be picked up the day before or of the party. Others may prohibit the use of a grill on public property, easements, etc., so it's always best to ask first and avoid a potential snag or fine.

4. Set limits

It's important for all guests to know the safety rules and plans for the area. Not tossing trash into a fire pit or barbeque or staying out of the yards of neighbors not attending the party ensures everyone enjoys the block bash. You will also want to set a time limit for the party to prevent the block party from getting out of hand or from becoming a nuisance to neighbors trying to sleep or otherwise ignore the festivities.

5. Delegate duties

Avoid stress and assign party planning duties to the neighbors. Ask one person to make the invitation flyer, others to bring yard chairs and folding tables, someone to manage the store run, and one or two people to dedicate use of their grill. Many neighborhoods opt for each family to bring their own beverages (although some will provide soft drinks) and often ask every family to donate a set amount to offset the cost of the meat, prizes for the kiddies and entertainment.

6. Ensuring safety

The concern of accident liability has many steering clear of allowing the BBQ grill or bounce house on their property. How to handle this worry? Have everyone sign a waiver to protect homeowners and reduce potential neighborhood tension. And even if everyone's signed the waiver and you have homeowner's insurance, still take the time to minimize any tripping hazards (loose stepping stones, uneven pavement, hoses or sprinklers in the way) and ensure any dogs and/or other pets are safely out of the way if there is any tendency whatsoever to bite or scare people. It is also a good idea to inform everyone on the street of the details of the party -- regardless of whether or not they're coming to the gala. In the event they're not going to be home or attending, they can take precautions to not park vehicles on the street or leave out any potentially hazardous items -- such as tools, garden equipment or baby pools -- in the yard.

7. Cleanup - before, during, after

Before the party, make sure each of the residents in the party area checks their front yard for any trash, doggie debris and even things like dead birds and anthills. You will want to be sure that you station trash and recycling bins throughout the area where you're holding the block party -- and also make certain that at least a few people will stay after the event to help clean up whatever's left behind.

8. Fun activities

Bicycle decorating contests, searching for candy hidden in a pile of straw and water balloon tosses are just a few activities that will keep younger party goers entertained. You can never have too many activities waiting in the wings. Plan a few activities geared at introducing those at one end of the block to their counterparts on the other end. Even silly games such "egg toss" can help start the party off with a festive bang.

9. Lights and sirens

Ask local police or fire department if they would stop by the party to conduct a mini hands-on seminar for the kids. The chance to honk the horns, hold a fire hose or talk over the loudspeaker will create fond memories as well as give children a chance to brush up on safety tips.

10. Feeding the masses

Ask guests to bring a favorite snack or side dish to share and ensure the party has a wealth of tasty treats. Assigning people to handle specific categories -- such as fruit salads, veggie crudites, other appetizers, side dishes, fruity desserts, chocolate desserts -- will make sure you don't have too many potato chips and not enough dip, or four apple pies and no brownies!  Tragic!!!

Whether wanting to swap recipes or socialize with the neighbors, block parties are time-honored traditions in neighborhoods all across the country. Why not host a block party with your neighbors this year?

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a traumatic and scary experience, making it difficult to know what to do after it happens. It's important to act quickly to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that all legal steps are followed. Know how to take action after a car accident so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.

Determine the Extent of Damage or Injuries

Try to stay calm. Panic can make others panic and the situation worse. There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical attention.

File a Car Accident Report with the Police

Even in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report.

Discuss the Car Accident Only with the Police

With everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

Get the Facts

This is the part most people know to do, but often forget to after the accident for one reason or another. It is important to get names, address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Don't just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Call MIM's 800-number immediately (800-762-4646), even at the scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can give us more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your claim to be processed.

There are many ways to avoid a car accident but once one happens it is important that the right steps are taken. Obviously it is hard to think clearly after a car accident so it is important to know before you get into an accident what to do first and what questions may need answered. This checklist will help you know what to do after a car accident. It is best to review it now and then print it out and keep a copy with you in your car.

How to Survive a Heatwave - Tips for Seniors - Staying out of Danger as the Mercury Rises

You think it's been hot?  It's about to get hotter! Forecasters are calling for an extended heat wave with possible 100 degree days and high humidity, tomorrow through Thursday in the Portland Metro area.

Taking good care of yourself is important all year, but summer's high temperatures and sun exposure carry specific dangers for older adults. Many people have a harder time handling heat as they age, but remain unaware of their increased vulnerability. Don't put yourself at risk. Take these tips into consideration as the temperatures increase.

Keep Your House Cool

You may think that staying inside will help you avoid becoming dehydrated, but if you're sitting in a house without adequate air conditioning, you could be putting yourself at the same risk you'd face outside, if not worse. Getting overheated wherever you are, inside or out, can lead to dehydration. Lower your blinds and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you don't have air conditioning, go somewhere that does, such as a mall or a movie theater. And don't let the fear of high energy bills put your health in danger.

Exercise at the Right Times

Unless your doctor has advised otherwise, there's nothing wrong with exercising in the summer. What is wrong is doing it at the hottest time of day. If you're going to walk, for example, do it in the early morning or early evening, when the sun is not at its strongest. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, which lets air circulate; materials like polyester trap body heat.

Drink Water Wisely

You might assume that greatly increasing your water intake would be the solution for preventing dehydration, but too much water is not good for you, either. It dilutes the sodium in your body, which could lead to low blood pressure. Your best bet is to drink a mix of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic fluids (water included) to keep your electrolyte levels up.

Eat Light

Experts also advise eating lighter meals than usual during a heatwave. The body has to work harder to digest heavier foods, like meat and cheese, generating more body heat. You may be doing this already; many people naturally prefer eating lighter in the summer.

Cover Up

Years of exposure to the sun may make your skin more sensitive than a younger person's, so protecting yourself is more important now than ever. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. (Your sunglasses should also block both kinds of rays.)

When you're in the sun, wear a hat that lets skin breathe. Keep a close eye on any skin lesions you may have (older adults are more likely to get them) and check in with a dermatologist if you notice any changes in moles or markings.

Keep in Touch

It's important to know your body well, so that you are alert to any signs that you need some relief, or even medical attention. Lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal upset, and weakness are all causes for concern. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a cool room, put a cold compress on your head, drink fluids and call a friend or family member. If your symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number.

In general, keeping in regular touch with a particular friend or relative could be crucial if something does happen. Checking in gives them the security of knowing that you’re okay, and it gives you the security of knowing that someone will be aware if you’re not.

Boating Safety Tips

Understanding the ins and outs of boater safety protects your family. Whether you are a new boater or a seasoned pro, these boating safety tips offer helpful insight for boaters of all stages.

Wear a Life Jacket

Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats, around open bodies of water or when participating in water sports. In Oregon, 90% of the people who drown in boating accidents would have survived had they worn life jackets. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have kids make a "touchdown" signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits a child's chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose.

Infant Appropriate Life Jackets

According to the U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Boating Safety, babies should not travel on a boat — including rowboats, kayaks, motorboats, and sailboats — until they are at the appropriate weight to wear an approved personal flotation device (PFD). Here's some more information on how to choose the right life jacket. Hold on to your baby while also wearing your own life jacket. Car seats are not a good option. If the boat were to capsize, the seat would sink instantly.

Keep Little Kids Warm

Infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you are taking a baby on a boat, just take a few extra precautions to keep your baby warm. If your children seem cold or are shivering, wrap them tightly in a dry blanket or towel.

Don't Rely on Swimming Aids

Remember that swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD).

Childproof Your Boat and Develop Some Basic Rules

Explain some basic boat rules and have everyone follow them. Children need to understand and follow rules such as keeping their hands and feet inside the boat at all times and not running on a boat.

Learn From the Professionals

Enroll older kids in a boating safety course. Better yet, enroll with them. Get a vessel safety check every year for free from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. For more information go to www.uscgboating.org and click "get a free safety check."

Use Your Best Judgment

A large portion of boating accidents that occur each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To protect your safety and loved ones around you, it is strongly recommended not to drink alcoholic beverages while boating.

We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. Local hospitals, fire departments and recreation departments offer CPR training.

Make sure there's a working carbon monoxide alarm on any motorboat to alert your family to any buildup of toxic fumes from the engine.

Let your teen operate a boat only in a supervised setting and in adherence to the laws in your area. Laws regarding the operation of a boat or watercraft vary from community to community.

Teach Your Kids the Difference Between Open Water and Pools

Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: They need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming. Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers, because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface.

Actively Supervise Kids In and Around Open Water

Every child is different, so enroll your child in swimming lessons when you feel he or she is ready. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore. Make sure an adult is present whenever a teen is operating a personal watercraft.

More safety tips can be found at the Oregon Marine Board’s Boating Safety page. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying RV Insurance

The same diligence used in selecting an RV should also be used to evaluate which insurance will best protect your RV and your motorhoming lifestyle. Although individual states mandate the minimum amount of coverage required to register your RV, there are many other coverage features to consider to ensure that your RV is fully protected. With assistance from the agents at Modern Insurance Marketing, Inc, you'll avoid the following mistakes and be on the road sooner than you think!

Mistake #1: Thinking car insurance is sufficient to cover your RV

An RV is not just a big car. Specialized vehicles require specialized insurance. You need coverages that accommodate the kind of personal belongings you keep an RV, discounts that reflect when and where you drive, and services that provide expert RV assistance.

Mistake #2: Shopping for the Lowest Price Available

Don’t underestimate the value of a service-oriented, reliable and specialized RV insurance company when you search for RV insurance coverage. Be sure to compare features and services, not just price.

Mistake #3: Choosing Inadequate Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is what protects you in the event you injure other people or damage property with your vehicle. Choosing lower liability coverage limits may leave you seriously at risk financially, since medical bills and loss wages can quickly exceed low liability limits. Do more than choose state-required minimums – choose the coverage that reflects your personal financial situation.

Mistake #4: Missing Out on Potential Discounts

• Built-in premium savings can offer many ways to reduce your premium. And some of them may surprise you! Just a few discounts that you may qualify for include:
• Insuring your RV and autos on the same policy
• Using our exclusive Storage Option that allows you to suspend coverages you don’t need when you’re not using your RV
• Having anti-theft devices, airbags and other security devices
• Having a safe-driving record

Mistake #5: Neglecting to consider life changes

Life changes like moving, buying a house, getting married, having a new baby, or having a new teen driver in the household can affect your insurance needs and the price you pay for coverage. Even your birthday can change the money picture when it comes to insurance premiums.

You may not think about RV insurance when unpacking at the new house or blowing out the candles on your birthday cake. But the fact is – all of these things potentially affect the coverages you need, and reduced rates may be newly available!

So be sure to keep your policy current – and that means everything from address changes to marital status to sending off your firstborn to college. Generally speaking, these life events – and more – offer opportunities for revisiting your RV insurance coverages and for enjoying more savings! 

Call MIM today and you will be selecting a company with stability and a proven track record. The right coverage means peace of mind and many years of enjoyable motorhoming.

6 Tips for Camping With Rookies

The key to camping with first-timers is to know your audience.  That way you can make the trip as engaging as possible, while mitigating potential fears and discomforts.

Here are six things to consider before you go:

1. Don't "rough it."  Sleeping under the stars can be a beautiful experience, but isn't necessarily for first-timers.  Weather, bugs and other critters can catch them unaware and unprepared.
2. Ease into it.  Consider starting with backyard camping, then progress to developed campgrounds - preferably those with showers and flushing toilets.
3. Alleviate potential fears by sleeping with four walls around you.  It doesn't matter if it's an RV, tent or cabin, for novice campers there is just something secure and comforting about being "inside" when outdoors.
4. Calm the fears.  One reason a first-timer has never camped may be apprehension.  There are two common fears:  wildlife and the dark.  Find ways to ease those concerns.  And remember the flashlights! 
5. Prepare in advance.  Teach family members about insects and wildlife they may encounter.  Better yet, take them to an interpretive center where they will learn even more and may be able to handle some animals.
6. Keep the good times rolling.  Know your family's interests and plan activities accordingly.  Prepare for fun, day and night.  Camp where there are activities everyone enjoys.  Card games and books are good activities for down time.

National Camping Day is June 23rd, and Pacific Northwest campsites fill up fast, so get your spots reserved and have a great time in the outdoors!
 

Wedding date? Check! Honeymoon plans? Check! Insurance? Huh?!

10 Insurance Tips for Newlyweds & Engaged Couples

It’s easy for many couples to get wrapped up in the excitement of planning a wedding and fail to fully think through the many financial implications of joining lives. In fact, a recent survey revealed disconnects in what couples know is important to discuss before getting married — including insurance issues — and what they actually discuss.

That’s why these 10 Insurance Tips for Newlyweds and Engaged Couples are so important. Take today to avoid misunderstandings that could dim that newlywed glow. 

1. Have “The Talk”. 

Have a pre-wedding sit-down to address important topics in auto, home, health, and life insurance. 

2. Driving record. 

Finding out you’re in love with a speed demon after saying “I do” can be a shock to your psyche, and your auto insurance premiums. You may want to think twice about combining coverage, and educate yourself about named-driver exclusion clauses. 

3. Sharing grown-up ‘toys.’ 

The rules likely change when you go from passenger to driver of your new spouse’s motorcycle, boat or ATV. Before you take the wheel, find out who is or is not covered. 

4. New home or fixer-upper. 

A renovation investment of $5,000 or more can change a home’s replacement value, and your insurance needs. As you research coverage for your first home together, think about what the structure offers today … and tomorrow. 

5. Where to live. 

Location, location, location is not only important to a home’s resale value. Your address, as well as construction type and square footage, likely will impact your homeowners’ insurance premiums. Do your homework before crossing the threshold. 

6. Which coverage to keep. 

The lowest premium isn’t the only consideration when deciding between health insurance plans, or if it makes sense to stick with your individual coverage. To avoid a short-term decision that results in long-term out-of-pocket expenses, be sure to review provisions related to cost-sharing – deductibles, co-pays and coinsurance – and consider what is NOT covered by the plan. 

7. New family coverage. 

Most group insurance providers consider marriage a qualifying major event, which means you can make related policy changes outside the approved open enrollment period. To avoid a coverage lapse, alert your provider immediately if “I do” also includes stepchildren. 

8. Update beneficiaries.

Even if your agent was in the wedding party, to name your new spouse as beneficiary you must proactively contact your HR department or individual life insurance provider.

9. Life insurance – how much is enough? 

Now that “I” actually means “we,” you may want to revisit your life insurance coverage. To determine the correct amount, consider future income potential, the cost of raising kids and any outstanding mortgage.

10. Keep track of property. 

How many of us really know how much ‘stuff’ we own? Without a clear grasp of our property, our most prized possessions might not be covered by our homeowners or renters insurance.  Take pictures and make an album electronically of each room and any valuables.

We are coming up on wedding season in the Pacific Northwest, so take the time to contact MIM with all of your concerns, before the honeymoon phase is over!