Marshik Insurance Agency, Inc.

New Years Eve Party Host Liability Tips:

In the midst of the festive and hectic holiday atmosphere, it is easy to forget the serious responsibility involved with hosting a party at your home or business. In many states, individuals and employers hosting holiday parties can be held liable in cases where a guest or third party is injured in an accident related to alcohol consumption at your event. Hosts have been held responsible for medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work, and even wrongful death. Trusted Choice® independent insurance agents recommend that those planning to host holiday parties this year review their homeowners, renter’s or comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance policy and ensure they have adequate liability coverage if sued and found liable for the actions of a guest who drank at their home or business. While all holiday partygoers and hosts alike should be responsible and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be eliminated entirely. But planning ahead and learning about what’s involved in hosting a reception is the best defense.

 
Liability Coverage Tips:
• If hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to provide them protection if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank at their home.

• Employers need to make sure that their comprehensive general liability (CGL) policy provides them coverage for third-party liquor liability policy before hosting that holiday office party.

• Charging employees for alcoholic beverages in the home or office may not always be the best solution for business parties. It is important for businesses to remember that once they charge a fee for alcohol, they have technically entered the alcohol sales business, even if only for one night. That carries with it requirements for a liquor license and an array of special liability protection needs. It by no means lets these employers off the hook.”

• Purchasing a personal “umbrella” liability policy—that can provide $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit offered by a standard homeowners or renters policy—may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.  This type of coverage can cost as little as $125 a year.

Party Host Safety Tips:
• Limit guest list to those you know.

• Provide filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages.

• Schedule activities or entertainment not involving alcohol. If the party centers around drinking, it is likely that guests will drink more.

• Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who should not drive home.

• Stop serving alcohol well before the time the party is to end.

• Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated.

• Review your insurance policy with your Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent before the event to ensure proper liability coverage.

• Consider hiring an off-duty police officer to discretely monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.

• Stay alert yourself, always remembering your responsibilities as a host.

 

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN, your local Trusted Choice agent if you have any questions.  320-632-2328

The Holidays are a time for friends, family, and fun.  This year, Marshik Insurance Agency is bringing you the FUN with Risk Placement Services, Inc. annual holiday Trivia Game.  See how many questions you can answer in five minutes.  Enjoy!  (Answers will be provided Monday, December 19, 2011)  Be sure to come back to our website and check it out.   Happy Holidays!

1.  What is the name of the Grinch’s dog?   Max
2.  Who sings “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”?  “Elmo & Patsy”
3.  What does Lucy say she really wants for Christmas?  Real Estate
4.  What does Snoopy do that makes Lucy scream?  Kisses her (licks her face)
5.  What did Chevy Chase plan to buy with his Christmas bonus in National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation”?  In ground swimming pool
6.  Which reindeer’s name starts with the letter “B”?   Blitzen
7.  Which ocean is Christmas Island located in?   Indian Ocean
8.  What is the name of Scrooge’s dead business partner?  Jacob Marley
9.  What did Ralphie want for Christmas in “A Christmas Story”?  Red Ryder BB Gun
10. What are the first words Frosty the Snowman says when he comes to life?   Happy Birthday
11. Here is a scrambled-word version of a well known Christmas song: “VLSIRE LBLSE”  What song is it?  Silver Bells
12. In the song, the Grinch is as “cuddly as a _____”?    Cactus
13. What is the biggest selling Christmas song of all time?  White Christmas
14. Why did Joseph and Mary go from Nazareth to Bethlehem?  To be taxed
15. What was the name of the town in “It’s a Wonderful Life?    Bedford Falls

Don’t forget to come back to our site on Monday, December 19, 2011  for the answers?  Have fun with it.  How did you do???

 Have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!   See you in 2012

Now that the cold weather has forced us to close up our homes, follow these safety tips to protect yourselves against Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

     CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

     Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

     If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Call for help and stay at that location until emergency personnel arrive.

     If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Also make sure the exhaust  pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.

     During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.

     A generator should be used in well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.

Brought to you by Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN 320-632-2328 and Foremost Insurance Company

 

Get Deals, Not Steals:  Tips for Shopping Safely Online

Thanksgiving is over, and the holidays are in full swing, which means stores and malls are bustling with holiday shoppers looking for presents to put under the tree. While some people enjoy the adventure of going from store to store in search of that perfect gift, others seek refuge from the holiday crowds by buying their gifts online.While shopping online can be a less stressful and often money-saving alternative, the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home comes with some risks. Cyber attackers and scammers are just waiting to prey on those who don’t properly protect their personal information, such as credit and debit card numbers and bank account information.
If you’re planning to be one of the millions of people who shop online this holiday season avoid the holiday blues by following these cyber shopping safety tips.

• Shop only on secure website. To determine if a site is safe, look at the address box for an “s” in https:// and check the lower right corner of the page for a lock symbol. Both of these things indicate that a site is safe to use for purchases. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) for information about a company’s reputation and customer satisfaction rating.
• Use credit, not debit. Credit cards provide additional protection from theft that many debit cards don’t offer. If your credit card information is stolen, you’re only responsible for up to $50 in charges as long as you report the theft within 30 days (reporting time varies by company). If your debit card is stolen, a thief can empty your bank account without your knowledge and it can take a substantial amount of time to recover the stolen money.
• Protect your personal information. Make sure your computer has the most up-to-date spam filters, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware installed to avoid unauthorized access to your computer. You should also read a site’s privacy policy thoroughly before making a purchase to ensure the information you’re providing is secure and won’t be sold to a third-party.
• Keep track of your receipts and credit card statements. When you make a purchase online, save the receipt and a copy of the confirmation page for your records. Check this documentation against your credit card statements to make sure there aren’t any suspicious or unauthorized transactions. Keeping proof of a purchase also helps resolve any issues that may arise with the order.
• Do your online shopping at home. Don’t use unsecured Internet connections available in many coffee shops, libraries, and other public places where your information is not secure. Also, avoid using public computers for online shopping since you don’t have control over the computer’s spyware or malware software.

These tips brought to you by Marshik Insurance Agency and Trusted Choice.  Contact us if you have questions about how your insurance policy covers you if you are a victim of identity theft.  (320) 632-2328.  Have a SAFE and happy holiday.

Preventing Frozen Water Pipes:

Colder weather increases the chance that your water pipes might freeze, especially if you have the gas service disconnected at a vacation home over the winter.

Here are some tips to help you avoid or deal with the problem:

For normal precautions:

• Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape, newspapers or rags.

• Place a 60-watt light bulb close to the water meter to keep it from freezing.

• If pipes are close to an exposed outside wall, open the cabinet door to let room heat in.

• Use a hair dryer or turn up the heat in your home to 75 degrees to thaw a pipe;  do not use a torch.

• If a pipe bursts, shut off the main valve, usually located near the meter.

• Be aware that leaks sometimes don’t show up until a pipe thaws, when they can cause extensive damage to plaster walls.

If you’ll be away for the winter:

• Drain pipes completely.

• Pour a cup of antifreeze into the draintraps, toilet bowls and tanks.

• Make sure the main shut-off valve is turned off.

• Open all faucets.

• Drain the hot water tank.

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency with your questions on how your policy coverage’s apply.  320-632-2328 – We will do a FREE coverage analysis.

Source:  State Auto Insurance Companies Facts and Features Autumn 2011 Newsletter

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA representative for more information.

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellular telephone with your local AAA’s telephone number, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don’t over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to

• maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

If you have questions about your coverage’s or want a FREE QUOTE or are interested in a AAA membership, stop in and see the Marshik Insurance Agency, 501 First St. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345 – or call at 320-632-2328.

For those classic car owners who live in more dramatic climates, it’s time to put their cars to sleep for the winter. We’ve put together some steps to help your clients do it right. Feel free to pass this information on to anyone who may benefit.

1. Top off your levels.

• Fill your gas tank and add a fuel preservative. The full tank keeps out moisture, and the preservative keeps the gas from breaking down. Take one last drive to circulate the preservative.
• Make sure your antifreeze is fresh and topped off.
• To avoid a nasty sludge in the spring, change the oil

2. Take preventative measures.

• Give your car a good wash and wax to protect the paint. Protect the chrome with wax or paint sealant.
• Over-inflate tires to avoid flat spotting, or jack up the car to take pressure off the tires.
• Put a battery manager on your car.
• To prevent rodents nesting in an engine compartment, try a rodent repellent under the hood. Just remember to remove it before starting up.
• Put down a few moisture pads on the upholstery to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
• Cover the car with a breathable car cover to prevent corrosion and rust.

3. Re-circulate your oil.

• When a car sits, oil settles into the pan, leaving the engine without lubrication. Disconnect the coil wire and crank the engine over several times. Reconnect the coil wire and you should be good to go.

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN 320-632-2328 if you have any questions about your collector or classic car insurance policy.  View www.hagerty.com for more information on winterizing your car, along with a wide variety of car care articles.

Stopping A Fire Before It Starts – 5 Things You Can Do Today!

1.  Do a Smoke Alarm Audit

Install at least one UL – listed smoke alarm on every level of your home

Check that alarms are installed on ceilings or high on walls

For ceiling mounted, make sure they are four inches away from the nearest wall

For wall mounted, check that they are four to 12 inches down from the ceiling

Test smoke alarms weekly and replace batteries twice a year

Replace alarms that are more than 10 years old or have been painted over

Test that you can hear alarms in every room of the house even with doors closed

Mark your calendar for the next testing date

2.  Make Extinguishers Handy

Check that you have at least one UL-listed fire extinguisher in your home

Examine the gauge to be sure that it is still fully charged

Familiarize yourself with the instructions now when there is no emergency

3.  Talk Prevention with Your Kids

Make sure your kids know:

Never play with matches, lighters, or candles

Never play with electrical cords and never put anything in the socket

Blankets or clothes should never be thrown on top of lamps

Don’t turn up a heater without a grown-ups permission

If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll

4.  Look at Your Home From Your Child’s Perspective

Tour your home from your child’s perspective on your hands and knees

Identify potential hazards and move/replace/adjust accordingly

Check closets and other “secret” kid places for evidence of playing with fire

5.  Avoid overloading sockets and cords

Walk-through of your home looking for overloaded sockets or extension cords

Check wattage on lamps and cords to avoid overloading

Check out www.safetyathome.com  or contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, Little Falls, MN for more great ideas

Nationally, according to the Insurance Information Institute, 1 in 7 drivers is uninsured.  Have you ever wondered how that could impact you?  Minnesota ranks at approximately 13% of all drivers in the State are uninsured.  Your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage under your auto insurance policy  is there to help you with your bodily injury claims if you are involved in an accident where the other driver, who is at fault, doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries.  Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency, your Trusted Choice Agent, to help you evaluate your policy to determine if you have adequate coverage to protect your assets should you be a victim of this circumstance.

Your Trusted Choice agent can review your policies and make recommendations based on your current situation and offer quotes with several companies for you to consider and compare.  This insurance review will help you manage your exposure to loss by offering the limits and deductibles to help you put a policy in place that will be both affordable and comprehensive enough to meet your needs.

Contact the Marshik Insurance Agency in Little Falls, MN today for a FREE insurance consultation.  Don’t let the next victim of an uninsured driver be YOU.  320-632-2328.

Did You Know?  “Shed in a Box” storage units, (i.e. plastic covered sheds), are illegal per City Code in the City of Little Falls?  If you currently have one, you will need to remove it promptly as the City will be enforcing City Code pertaining to these types of sheds.   Did you Know?  City code also requires swimming pools measuring 18″ or higher to have a fence around them.  A permit is required by the City to install a fence.  If you have a pool over 18″ high, you will need to remove your pool or install a fence to meet the City Code requirements.  Did you Know?  Fences require a permit?  A fence can be installed after a certificate of survey is completed or if the abutting neighbors agree and sign off on the location of the property lines, when the permit is applied for.  When a fence  is installed, the finished or good side of the fence must face the neighbor.  Check these and all rules, zoning requirements, as well as building permit applications out at www.cityoflittlefalls.com.  Also, contact the Marshik Insurance Agency or your insurance agent if you have questions about the insurance requirements for swimming pools and fences from an insurance standpoint.