Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Insurance to Cover Insurance

Yes it has come to this. Customers who honorably pay their inflated insurance premiums dutifully and on time have to wonder what games their insurance company will play to deny or reduce their claim should the time arise that they ever need to file a claim. This insurance lunacy runs the gambit of all insurance arenas including auto, health, life, and property and has customers so scared of being denied or canceled when they file a legitimate and contractually obligated claim that people who have acute chest pains, for example, refuse to get checked out as they do not want to pay the bill and they are deathly afraid of a negative result getting back to their insurance carrier as either their premiums would increase dramatically or they will be canceled. Enough is enough.

It is not fair that a consumer who pays on time and in good faith is subjected to such demeaning and bad faith practices by the company the consumer specifically contracted to offset perceived and potential risk. It is not fair that the insurance company immediately takes an adversarial and intimidating stance any time any of its customers files a claim as the insurance company tortuously and unconstitutionally convicts the customer of filing a fraudulent claim without probable cause or evidence and mandates that the burden of proof of innocence is on the consumer. It is not fair that the insurance company adjustor is working against the interest of the customer while acting like the customer's best friend. It is not fair that the adjustor will savagely and sadistically employ psychological warfare against the in-duress customer in order to trap the customer in to making statements that will be leveraged to reduce or deny the claim. It is not fair that all regulatory bodies consider such unethical consumer abusing and bad faith practices as legitimate and fair practices. It is truly not fair that a consumer who employs the same bad faith tactics against the insurance company is guilty of insurance fraud but there are no penalties or consideration for the reverse injustice herein coined as "consumer fraud". No, consumer fraud is BIG business and the insurance companies are well leveraged to protect themselves from any potential liability for their bad faith policies and procedures.

While the concept of insurance to cover insurance is enticing, alas, it is unreasonable. Any risk assessment professional would cower at the prospect of insuring that the insurance company lives up to its contractually obligated policy. The risk assessment professional would know that despite the insurance company parking its Lamborghini outside the governmental assistance office and changing into its designer "poor" clothes before crying poverty, the insurance company is flush with cash and has spent a considerable amount to protect its "good neighbor" image. The costs and time associated with having to mitigate of all the insurance company's lies, deception, manipulation, and bad faith legalese make the concept of insurance to cover insurance a losing proposition.

As destitute as it sounds... there is HOPE. A professional independent water damage restoration company will have the resources and experience required to restore the customer's water damaged asset to its preloss condition by using a restoration company that is customer focused and will do everything it takes to satisfy the customer - not the lap dog of the insurance adjustor whose only ambition is to get a bone from the adjuster.

It's your money.
It's your choice.
Choose Wisely
Choose a customer focused, independent emergency restoration company.

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K.
Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of Emergency Response Restoration
( http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/ ),
2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.


http://EzineArticles.com/6167804

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Keeping Children Safe During Floods

Floods are a danger to everyone, but even more so for children. Children are unaware of the hazards present in a flood so extra care needs to be taken to protect them from harm. Flood water is contaminated with varieties of different bacteria's which can spread harmful diseases, as well as the fact that they are at an increased risk of drowning.

Precautionary measures must always be taken in preparation for a flood. A flood survival kit will need to be compiled along with a flood plan, supplies of food and water kept in reserve and knowing how to turn off all mains supplies (gas, electricity and water). Being prepared gives you the best possible chance of survival during and after a flood.

During a flood it is likely that your water supply will become contaminated, it is therefore suggested that you keep a portable gas stove in your flood survival kit for boiling water because when you boil water it kills off any harmful bacteria residing in it. The same applies for water supplied from a bowser, bacteria can build up on the inside of the tanker depending on how often and when exactly it was last cleaned. This is especially important when you have infants feeding on formula. Precautions should always be taken by keeping a clean supply of bottled water for drinking and washing.

When heating water from a bowser for an infant's feed there are few measures that you will need to adhere to. First of all you will need to heat the water until it boils; boiling signifies that the water has reached a temperature where it is now safe to consume. When allowing the water cool, it should be kept inside a clean, sealable container to prevent cross-contamination and should be left for no longer than thirty minutes. Following this, the water should be added to the formula as usual. This should ensure the safety of your child's feed but it would be better to use bottled water if you are unsure. Another option is to keep a supply of pre-prepared formula milk which is used as an alternative to powdered milk. If you do not have the facilities to boil water, ensure that you keep a fresh supply of spring water (bottled water usually contain high levels of sodium, check the labels to make sure they have a level lower than 200). This can be used for formulas but must be given to the child as soon as it has been prepared. If you are unsure of your water supply, it is generally a good idea to contact your supplier for their advice.

Hygiene is extremely important at this stage. As most parents will know, children have a habit of putting things in their mouths. Keeping an eye on them to make sure that this doesn't happen and you will also need to make sure that they wash their hands on a regular basis, especially before meals. If you do not have a supply of water, supplies of baby/cleansing wipes are good alternatives.

Once you return to your home following a flood, you must still be vigilant of dangers. It is probably best to keep your child(ren) at another location until the clean-up process has been completed. The most obvious danger you will face is contamination, everything that has come into contact with flood water will have to be disinfected and sanitised. This will involve cleaning clothes, fabrics and toys which have come into contain with the water, sanitising all surfaces and cupboards as well as walls and doors. Other potential hazards include nails sticking out, raised flood boards and broken tiles. It is a good idea to clean down any pavements and grass, allowing it to return to normal, garages and cellars will also need to be allowed time to be fully ventilated before children enter them.

If at any point during or after a flood your child starts to exhibit symptoms like diarrhoea or sickness, you must contact your doctor or the emergency services immediately. Children's immune systems are not as strong as fully grown adults, so extra care must be taken during these times.

Post-flood clean ups can cause increased amounts of stress, to help aid this process it is best to ensure that you have the adequate flooding insurance. For those who live within an area considered to be at a high risk of flooding, it may be difficult obtaining home insurance, but there are some insurance providers willing to provide cover to those who need it regardless of their situation.

House flood insurance is often difficult to obtain to standard insurers, however there are specialist companies that will cover those with specific requirements, such as living in flood affected areas.


http://EzineArticles.com/6276336

Thursday, October 20, 2011

When Should I Consider Purchasing Flood Insurance?

If you have ever considered purchasing flood insurance, than you know that a policy will not take effect until thirty days after you enroll. This is designed to encourage people to get coverage well before seasons where inclement weather is more likely, and it's also a means to prevent insurance fraud. Therefore, if you wish to get a flood insurance policy on your home, the short answer is well before the rainy or hurricane season in your area. As for why you should have this insurance, there are many reasons to take into consideration.

1) Flood insurance is applicable regardless of where you live.

You might that, because you live inland and in an area not susceptible to hurricanes, that you are relatively safe from flooding. In truth, every home carries the same risk, no matter if you're perched along the coast or on a plain. Flash floods are aptly named because they can happen without warning, and a particularly active flood with waters up to 10-20 can carry away a car easily. Imagine what those powerful waters can do to your home!

Given recently activity in Tennessee, Missouri, and other parts of the country, you know that flooding doesn't discriminate. A sound policy will prove valuable and essential in the event of a flooding emergency.

2) Flood insurance is more affordable than the alternative.

Consider this: you may pay only a few hundred dollars a year in flood insurance depending on your home, location, and risk. When you realize that a federal assistance loan taken following a natural disaster could cost you thousands and take several years to pay off, don't you think it's more economical to have the right insurance policy in hand?

3) Some flood insurance policies help you recover more quickly.

Unlike other types of insurance, some flood policies allow you to take a partial payment after the fact, which gives you the advantage in terms of recovering your property. If you've had to deal with certain insurance companies before, you may have waited for weeks and even months for compensation. Here, you can plan to set things right while you wait for the rest of your payment.

4) Having the policy gives you peace of mind.

If you already have policies against theft, fire, and other natural disasters, why not have one that covers you in the event of rain and flood damage? Even one inch of heavy rain is capable of causing structural damage to your home, so it's best to cover all the bases.

Consider enrolling now for flood insurance through a reputable company. The sooner you have the policy in hand, the safer you will feel.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk flood insurance and Virginia Beach insurance.


http://EzineArticles.com/6354650

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Flood Insurance - Once the Mississippi or Missouri River Floods, It's Too Late to Buy It

If the floodwaters have already breached the Missouri River, or the Mighty Mississippi and that water is coming down your street then it is too late to buy flood insurance. I am often reminded by the famous quote; "When did Noah build the ark? Before the flood, remember?" In other words the time to buy your flood insurance, or make sure you are covered by the National Flood Insurance program is prior to the rainy season, or the severe snowmelt during times of heavy snowpack.

Indeed, when the snowpack is over 100%, and this happens on the West Coast during El Nino seasons, you are likely to find that the nation's flood insurance companies are not very willing to write policies, and remember the rainy season, and the snowpack in that case happen six months prior to the floods, when that snow melts. The same thing happens when buying insurance to protect your home from hurricanes which produce storm surges, or tidal surges.

Many companies will not sell you insurance at or about the time that Hurricane season starts. They want to sell you the insurance after hurricane season, so that you pay into the system for a while, before they wish to be paying out any claims. Likewise, obviously you can't buy earthquake insurance during an earthquake, or exactly afterwards, while there still is a risk of Aftershocks.

As we watched the floods in the spring and summer of 2011 in the Midwest, and along the Mississippi in the South, we felt for all those individuals, and no American wants to see their fellow citizens being flooded out. Of course there's not much you can do for them once the water starts flooding, the levees are breached, or the dams are opened to prevent floodwaters from rising and causing a catastrophe in a city with millions of people in it.

We can't expect insurance companies to sell insurance by the time that the Army Corps of Engineers puts out data in the media that the floods are coming, and chances are they will overflow the banks of these giant rivers. By then it's too late, and insurance companies aren't stupid, they will cut off all insurance policy sales at that point. Remember insurance companies are in business to make money, and they do this by sizing up the risks, and taking that gamble based on probability.

Therefore if there is a high probability of major floodwaters coming, they are not going to put their shareholders at risk, or the insurance company's retained earnings or assets. Indeed I hope you will please consider how the free-market works, and buy your flood insurance long before you might actually needed. Because if you wait, it will be too late.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,777 articles by 7 PM on June 27, 2011 is going to be difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off now..


http://EzineArticles.com/6370789

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Importance of Flood Insurance and Its Coverage Protection

Flood Insurance is one type of insurance many people fail to realize they need. Most insurance companies offer customers flood insurance although not enough people take advantage of it. In the United States as well other countries there are certain areas that are more prone to floods. In some areas insurance companies require you move from such dangerous flood areas or at least take some preventative measures in case there ever be a flood.

Flood Insurance keeps you insured should water ever raise or flood enough to damage your home or possessions. It is especially important for those living on or near some type of water such as on a lake or along the beach. Customers usually pay an affordable monthly cost which often covers them from most weather related floods. The cost per month depends on how much your house is worth, what your possessions are worth as well as where your home is located. If you live in what is known as a high risk area such as in a beach house your monthly payments will certainly be more money.

Deciding whether or not you need flood insurance can be easy. Do you live in a high risk area? Is your home surrounded with water such as a dam, river or ocean? Does the city you live in often get heavy rain and severe flooding? If so it sounds as though you need insurance to protect your home and your belongings. Should a flood ever happen you will be protected and maybe pay a small fee instead of having to repair all of the damage yourself.

It generally covers structural damage done to a house or replaces lost items damaged due to flooding. Depending on what company you use flood insurance can cover floods due to natural disasters like earthquakes as well as man-made disaster. Some areas that are considered very high risk areas do not offer great coverage.

The price of flood insurance depends on a number of factors. First is where the house is located. If your home is located in a high risk area your payment may be very high. If you live in an area known for severe flooding you may have very high prices or not even be able to get insurance. The cost is also determined by what company you use as different companies offer different services as well as different prices.

This type of insurance is very important so checking all the facts and deciding if it is right for you is a great idea because you may end up needing it one day. Anyone can buy flood insurance and rest assures that their home is covered should a flood occur.

To Find out more information about flood insurance you may check out the authors website on insurance comparisons.


http://EzineArticles.com/6453388

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

The Importance of Home Flood Insurance

A flood insurance is separate from your usual homeowner's insurance. It is provided by a few insurance companies and comes with its own terms and pricing. This kind of insurance is not mandatory for every homeowner but only to those who live in a designated flood area and has a home mortgage. These places are usually designated by the Federal government as close to main rivers, oceans and dangerous flooding zones. For those who live away from these bodies of water, this insurance is available but only optional. Nevertheless, it is still a good idea to get a policy if your home has a history of flooding from small ponds nearby, excessive rainfall or snow melts.

Remember that while floods can cause a huge destruction, the damage it caused is not covered by a homeowner's insurance. A home flood insurance offers the special coverage you would need to protect your home and things from rising waters. Furthermore, the insurance covers damage to home structure, water heater, furnace, furniture, appliances, rugs, clothing in basement areas, expenses incurred to protect your home against flood damage by sandbagging and covers cost after a flood, which includes removal or debris.

Flood insurance for your home is not as expensive as you might think and the coverage benefits definitely outweigh the cost of replacements and repairs. Homes situated in low to moderate risk areas could be eligible for PRP or Preferred Risk Policy, an affordable option that allows homeowners and business owners protection against the destructing effects of flood. Flood insurance for your home can be purchased through the NFIP or National Flood Insurance Program and other private companies. The government often backs most private insurance companies offering flood insurance. When purchasing an insurance from a private firm, it is necessary to check its financial capacity and reputation to make certain that it will be around if you file for a flood claim.

The price of a flood insurance is based on how much policy you purchase. There are typically maximum amounts available to replace home structure and personal possessions. Furthermore, it also depends on whether you purchase actual cash value or replacement cost insurance. A replacement cost insurance pays a claim to rebuild your home to be the same as to what it was before the flood damaged it. Cash value insurance replaces property and possessions less the value of depreciation.

Another thing to take into consideration when buying flood insurance is the excess insurance. If your home and belongings is worth more than the maximum limit amount of a standard insurance, then you could consider paying for more insurance aside from that known as excess insurance. Again, it is best to consider the financial standing of an insurance company for your excess coverage and the flood insurance rate as well. Typically, it will take thirty days after you purchase that the policy can be effective. Therefore, it is necessary to be prepared ahead of time and consider buying a home flood insurance policy immediately.


http://EzineArticles.com/6161170

Monday, October 10, 2011

What to Look For in a Flood Insurance Plan

Don't be fooled by blistering hot weather, for even during the peak of summer you may encounter a severe storm that results in a flash flood. There's something about the heat that inspires summer rain, and if you are unfortunate to get caught in foot-high water or higher without the proper insurance policy, you could find your dreams of a quick recovery easily washed away.

You don't have to have a beach home to obtain a flood insurance policy. Floods are capable of occurring inland as well as near the shorelines. Unlike regular home insurance policies, which typically do not cover damage resulting from a flood, this supplemental policy is good to have if you believe your property is situated in an area that is susceptible to high rains and the possibility of overflowing bodies of water. One positive to owning a policy is that it is not expensive to upkeep, and a valid policy proves more beneficial when you need to replace or repair property after a flood.

To find the right insurance program for you, it may be necessary to research your options. You will find several agencies in your area specialize in flood and fire insurance, so if you are unable to get a policy from your regular agent he/she can likely recommend resources for you.

What to Look For in a Flood Insurance Plan

Once you have decided to enroll in a plan to protect your home assets in the event of flood, you will want to find the best possible policy. Here are just a few things to look for in a good flood insurance protection program.

1) Overall cost. Depending on where you live and what you have to protect, you could pay as little as $100 a year or as much as $300 a year on your policy. Coverage and restrictions may vary depending on the final cost.

2) Type of coverage. Plans vary with regards to your living situation. You can have a policy specifically tailored to a condo in a complex or a detached property.

3) Turnaround in service. Ask around about the companies in your area. In the event of a flood, how quickly does an agency file your claim and handle payment? The object of flood insurance is to help you receive what's due in a reasonable time so you can begin rebuilding your home and life. A good insurance plan works quickly to get you on your feet again after a bad storm.

Cost and quick payment are two obvious qualities to look for in a good insurance company. When you shop for flood insurance, connect with other policy holders for their recommendations.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Norfolk flood insurance and Virginia flood insurance.


http://EzineArticles.com/6449637

Friday, October 7, 2011

Flood Insurance: What You Need To Know

Flood insurance is essential because of the many flood cases occurring in the different parts of the country. Such insurance will help protect your property, as flood can be devastating. It is one of the major causes of damages in many households. If you do not want to feel helpless after a flood destroys your property, get one.

Do you need it?

Although flood insurance is a good investment, you still have to asses if you really need one and check the type of coverage you should get. Flood has been a problem in several parts of the country but there are also communities that have not experienced it in years. The question is, should you have a fire insurance policy even if you live in a high and dry area?

Although you do not live in a flood prone area, it is recommended that you get a flood insurance. This is because you remain at risk. Several insurance providers have provided aid to policyholders residing in areas that are not prone to flood. This because flood can occur anywhere, at anytime and can be a result of many varying causes.

Some areas may leave the acquisition of such insurance to your discretion. However, this is not the case in Special Flood Hazard Areas. This is required from properties located in this area before they can build a new structure, improve a current structure or buy a property.

How to choose a flood insurance?

Choosing the best flood insurance is essential to ensure that your home is protected. Here are some tips to help you find the best insurance provider.

1. Research online and learn about the different insurance provider. You can find helpful information online. Check the profile of the insurance company. Check any complaints or testimonies concerning their services. You can also contact a policyholder and ask about the services provided by the company.

2. In addition to company information, you should also gather information about their rates and fees. Compare their rates, other charges and benefits. You might be able to negotiate a company to give you discounts once they know that you are considering another company to insure your home.

3. Contact an insurance agent and ask what company he can recommend, you do not have to work with that agent right away. Ask a few questions first, if you find him helpful, you can set and appointment with him to discuss your options. Having a competent agent can give you the advantage as he has contact with multiple insurance companies. This means that he can present you with different companies that may address your needs properly.

Flood insurance will protect your home. You do not have to worry about where to get money for the repair of your property due to the flood. This is advisable even if you are living in a dry area. This is because flood can occur anywhere. It is best to be protected at all times. Moreover, you have to find the right policy for you. Start your search online. Gather the essential information and make your choice.

Consider the Nearly New Central Coastal San Diego Homes for Sale and the One Story Homes in Central Coastal CA for your next home.


http://EzineArticles.com/6020243

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Does Your Flood Insurance Include Purposeful Government Sanctioned Preemptive Flooding?

Indeed, 2001 was a terrible year for the United States with regards to flooding. We watched as the Mississippi and Missouri River both breached levees in many states. We also noted the incredible snow pack in Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and California and the runoff in June of 2001 was significant, causing all sorts of flooding, and some rather serious incidents as you already know. Of course, the time to buy flood insurance is before the flood.

What was that famous line in the movie; "when did Noah build the ark, before the flood remember?" Yes, I love that quote, and I use it quite often, and yet buying flood insurance is quite expensive, especially if you live in a flood zone, and then there is the 50 year flood, or the hundred year flood, those are flooding events which are way beyond the normal cycles of droughts and rainy seasons, and when they come there can be devastation, loss of life, and massive property damage.

Now then, when it comes to flooding not all flood insurance policies are the same. If you buy hurricane insurance, it may cover the tidal surge, but maybe not the massive rain which the hurricane brings along with it, which flood out your property later. After all that massive amount of rain may occur far upriver, and after the storm is gone then that water comes down, maybe even after a couple of more storms later in the season. You see the problem?

Now then, if you will recall The Army Corps of Engineers had no choice as the Mississippi levees were in danger and that peak of the flood would have flooded massive parts of New Orleans, and Baton Rouge Louisiana, where millions of people live. Therefore they opened the dams along the Mississippi and allowed the water to flood into a 3000 square mile area. Unfortunately, there were small towns and cities in its path, and they were purposely flooded to save the larger area. Yes, those are hard choices to make, nevertheless the people were mandatorily evacuated, and a deluge of water was released.

Okay so, you may not realize this but even if you had flood insurance in those areas the flood insurance company would not pay on the policy because the government purposely flooded the area therefore you'd be directed to contact the government to get paid for your damages, after all it was their fault, and their decision to flood out your home and town. Most people don't realize this, and yet it's hard to say if the government will even pay, we shall see. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes writing 23,333 articles by May 26, 2011 is difficult because all the letters on his keyboard are now worn off..


http://EzineArticles.com/6304082

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Funding For Flooding

The governmental division in charge of dealing with problems pertaining to flooding is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and they have released preliminary information concerning spending over the next four years. Though exact budgets are yet to be finalised, the ultimate amount to be allocated to flooding and coastal erosion is predicted to be at least £2.16 billion (equating to an average of £540 million per year). In past years, DEFRA has invested some £50 million more each year in dealing with flooding related problems, however in the current economic climate they are being forced to make huge cuts (as have numerous other government departments).

Forecasted figures are roughly 8% less than the £590 million pa (invested over the last four years) with savings being offset by "efficiencies within delivery and procurement, and better risk-based prioritisation". These techniques come in response to the October Spending Review in 2010, where by government departments have been made to resolve spending budgets until 2014-2015. In the last 4 years DEFRA claims to have surpassed the projected target of increasing flood protection for 145,000 houses (estimating that the final figure would be nearer to 170,000 properties with better safety) through the work carried out by the Environment Agency and other operating authorities.

An identic same target (145,000 properties) is set for the next 4 years, although meeting this may not be so simple with a reduced budget. The approximated £2.1 billion is going to be divided into £1 billion in working capital (at approximately £261 million pa) and £1.1 to be spent on resources. Resources consist of maintenance of existing defences, flood forecasting ability and incident response development; creating 'programme' spending. The expenses also cover 'admin' paying for staff as well as office operation. DEFRA also states that it "remains dedicated to fully funding local authority new burdens under the Flood and Water Management Act".

DEFRA plans to provide as much as £36 million pa to lead local flood authorities, although in 2011-2012 the amount is going to be nearer to £21 million during 'phasing in'. Local authorities spending is also sustained by formula grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government, and between '08 and '11, the £2.15 billion invested included around £280 million in contributions from local governments. Formula grant and area based grant are being left to local authorities to choose how it is spent and allocated locally, within the limitations of overall limits on local budgets and possible need to invest in other local priorities.

When it comes to floods, preparation must begin at home. Making homes and businesses individually flood resilient or resistant is a smart precaution for a property owner to take. Even with millions of pounds being ploughed into flood defence on a national scale, no guarantees are given by the government that you will be protected should flooding arise. Taking precautionary measures to make your property less prone to flood damage is not just going to enable you to protect your home and your household, however will likely contribute to obtaining a lower insurance policy rate.

Buying flood defence is a good idea on a domestic level as well as on a nationwide one. Flood home insurance for those within greater flood risk areas is more expensive in comparison with that for individuals within low risk locations and is infamously difficult to find online. Some insurance companies still offer competitive online quotes for flooding insurance, regardless of whether you live in a moderate or (even) high flood risk area. Flood risk insurance ought to be available to the people who need it most; not just to those who are not at much immediate risk.


http://EzineArticles.com/6359229