Cell Phone Tickets Now Three Points In NY

On 2/16/11 it became a two point offense under the NY Vehicle and Traffic Law to use a handheld electronic device while driving for the purpose of making telephone calls or sending/receiving text messages or email. http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/cellphone.htm

On 6/12/11, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed get-tough legistlation that upgraded the enforcement of the texting while driving law to primary status. This gave law enforcement the power to stop drivers solely for engaging in the use of a hand held device. Until then, it had been a secondary offense and traffic ticket for using a handheld electronic device could only be issued if the car was stopped for a primary offense such as speeding or other traffic violations.

On 10/5/11 the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law was amended to increase the point value for cell phone and texting violations from two points to three points.

If you haven't figured it out yet - DON'T USE YOUR PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN NYS!!

Don't Forget Your Carbon Monoxide Alarms

More than 400 people are killed each year in the United States from carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Medical Association reports that carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States.
Other CDC studies indicate that more than 20,000 people are hospitalized each year from this gas, and these poisonings are on the rise due in part to economic reasons. With a stressed economy and high unemployment, more families face utility shutoffs. As a result, they employ other sources of heat, such as kerosene heaters, gas generators, and improperly maintained wood stoves and fireplaces. Such heat sources carry a heavy risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide alarms are essential protective devices in homes with gas appliances, gas heaters, and fireplaces. Here are some tips to consider concerning these important alarms.

· To ensure a high-quality alarm, look for the Underwriters Laboratories certificate on any detector you purchase.

· Connect these alarms to the smoke alarm system so that any alarm in the house becomes activated if a problem arises.

· Periodically test these devices according to the manufacturer's instructions. Batteries should be replaced at least once per year. Replacement of the alarm itself is often necessary after a few years since the average life span of carbon monoxide alarms is relatively short.

· Verify that you have alarms in bedrooms and other locations where people may sleep since people who are sleeping can die from carbon monoxide poisoning without experiencing any symptoms.

Copyright 2011International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Shun Those Cell Phones While Driving

More than 20 percent of injury crashes in the United States involve reports of distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of those killed in distracted-driving related accidents, 18 percent involved the usage of a cell phone. Another study indicates that using a cell phone while driving, whether it is a hand-held or hands-free device, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.

Cell phones, and particularly smart phones, are considered one of the leading driver distractions. As a result, more and more communities are placing restrictions on drivers' use of cell phones. The following tips are offered to motorists with regard to cell phone use in vehicles.

• You should wait until the car trip is complete before placing a call. Your cell phone's voicemail feature should answer a call while you are driving.


• Absolutely essential calls should only be performed while stopped. However, it is not wise to pull over on the side of the road where a rear-end collision is possible. Instead, you should pull into a parking lot to perform this task


• The phone should be placed where it is easy to see and reach.


• You should take advantage of speed-dialing capabilities.


• You should never drive and talk on the cell phone during stressful, emotional, or complex discussions since the risk of an accident is heightened.


• You should consider using a hands-free cellular phone since some studies indicated that these are safer to use.


• You should never text message while driving.

Tips and ideas from IRMI

Warning: License Plate Scanners are here!

License Plate Recognition Scanners a.k.a LPRs are currently in use by many police agencies. These car mounted devices are capable of scanning thousands of plates per hour and work in a 360 degree pattern whether the plate is stationary or travelling up to 70 mph. The police can set their scanners to look for specific parameters such as Just Stolen Cars, Just Expired Registrations, Just Lapsed Insurance or All the above. Their software is updated on a daily basis by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Homeland Security.

Ordinarily, having these devices in use to catch the Bad Guys is a comforting thought but what if your plate has been flagged by the DMV? In the State of NY, insurance companies are required to report when insurance starts and stops on all registered vehicles. Sometimes information doesn’t match up perfectly causing the computer to think your vehicle is uninsured. Something as minor as an error in a VIN number can cause the DMV to send out a letter and flag a plate. In some cases coverage has actually lapsed due to non-payment of premium. In the past you may have been able to get away with short lapse but beware you might now come out to get your car in the parking lot (or driveway) only to find that it’s been towed away.

A plate that’s been flagged for Lapse of Insurance will cause the scanner to sound an alarm notifying the police officer the car has no insurance. The officer now has probable cause to pull you over and you can be arrested. At the very least, your plates will be confiscated and your car impounded. The paper insurance card you carry in your glove compartment is no longer valid proof of insurance. A problem of this nature will require you appear in court to prove you have corrected the problem with the DMV, possible fines, additional costs at the DMV to retrieve your plates, and another $100 or so in towing fees. Also, depending on where your car was towed, a possible daily storage fee.

From what we’ve been hearing, the police are taking this quite seriously and it’s only going to get worse as technology improves. We urge anyone receiving a letter from the DMV to immediately contact their insurance agent for assistance and not try to resolve the matter themselves.

Don't Become an Auto Theft Victim

Every 30 seconds, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States. Using Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that annual property losses from these thefts are approximately $5 billion. Although technology and aggressive law enforcement actions have lowered the auto theft rate in recent years, you should still be cognizant of this loss exposure. The following tips may prove helpful in reducing the chances that your vehicle or property in it may be stolen.

• When temporarily leaving your vehicle, never leave it running or with the keys in the ignition.


• Always lock your car and roll up the windows, even if it is in your driveway. If you have a garage, park your car in it, and close and lock the garage door.


• Park in busy, well-lit areas.


• When purchasing auto stereo equipment, choose items that can be removed and locked in the trunk.


• When using valet parking or taking your car in for repairs, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.


• Turn your wheels sharply toward the curb when parking since this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow the vehicle. Always use your emergency brake, and leave the transmission in park or in gear.


• Look into various antitheft devices for your auto. Ask about auto insurance discounts for antitheft devices, including alarms and window etchings.
  

Copyright 2011
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

Maintain a Robust Credit Score

One factor in determining the premium of a personal auto policy or a homeowners policy has nothing to do with your driving record or claims history—it's your credit record. According to Conning and Company, more than 90 percent of insurers use an insurance applicant's credit history—his or her insurance risk score—to slot him or her into a certain program.

When you apply for auto or homeowners insurance, the insurance company typically asks for permission to pull your credit information. The insurer then secures a credit report from one of the credit bureaus. Credit scores range from 300 to 850. If your score is below 650, you may have trouble getting insurance, or you may have to pay a higher premium. In order to improve your credit score, keep in mind the following factors that influence the score.

Payment history: The largest factor is credit and loan account payment history. A steady record of on-time payments going back several years shows responsibility.

Debts owed: The number of accounts you currently have, including type and balance. Try to have just a few active accounts with low balances.

Length of credit history: The longer your credit history, the better.

New accounts: Every time you apply for a new account, a record of that application appears on your credit report and drops your score. Limit the number of applications you submit.

Balance of accounts: It is best to have between two and six open credit cards and one or two loans.

Negative records: Collections, judgments, and bankruptcy filings will drop your score.

Few U.S. Homes Have Earthquake Insurance

The tragic earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on Friday, March 11, have raised questions regarding insurance coverage and provide a stark reminder that the United States is also vulnerable to these natural disasters, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

"Everyone, no matter where they live, should contact their agent or company representative to make sure that they have the right type and amount of insurance for their specific situation," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president for the I.I.I. "All Americans also need to have an up-to-date home inventory of their personal possessions and an evacuation plan," she said.

The potential cost of earthquakes in the United States has been growing because of increased urban development in seismically active areas and the vulnerability of older structures, which in some cities may not have been built or upgraded to current building codes. Standard homeowners, renters, and business insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes. Coverage is available either in the form of an endorsement or as a separate policy. (And a flood insurance policy would provide coverage for a tsunami.)

In NY, most private insurers offer earthquake coverage by endorsement under the Homeowner policy for a reasonable premium charge. Unfortunately, 86 percent to 90 percent of U.S. homeowners lack earthquake coverage, according to A.M. Best.

Adapted from: Personal Lines Pilot An IRMI e-mail newsletter for personal lines insurance professionals April 13, 2011 Issue 93 ISSN: 1545-9314

Cell Phone Drivers Beware

Beginning tomorrow, New York drivers who are caught talking on their cell phones without a headset will gain two points on their driving records — which means higher insurance costs.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced the change this week. Previously, no points were assigned for talking on a cell phone although two points are assigned for texting while driving violations. The new regulation will align the point penalty for both violations.

“Distracted driving is one of the most serious dangers on our roadways today,” said J. David Sampson, DMV executive deputy commissioner. “By strengthening the current law, our hope is that motorists will become even more aware of the potential consequences of their actions if they use a cell phone while driving.”

Ten years ago, New York became the first in the nation to adopt a statewide ban on handheld cell phone use while driving in 2001. In 2009, a law eliminating the use of portable electronic devices for texting while driving took effect, a violation that currently has two points attached to it along with a $150 fine.

In New York, driver distraction is a contributing factor in at least one out of five crashes, officials say. Each year over 300,000 tickets are issued statewide for cell phone violations.

Compliements of IIABNY Article Feb 16, 2011

WINTER WEATHER HAZARDS AND PREPARATIONS

February 2011

WINTER WEATHER HAZARDS AND PREPARATIONS

Chubb and Your Independent Agent want your home safe and secure all year long. In harsh winter climates, it is critical to have the interior, as well as the exterior, of the home prepared to avoid potential for loss from water or fire. Following are some best practice tips to safeguard your home.

• Driveway Access – Homes with long driveways may become impassible for the fire department during heavy snow accumulation. The key is to have a plow service contracted BEFORE the storm which guarantees returning to the home to remove every 6” of accumulation.

• Ice Damming – To avoid potential ice damming, all gutters should be cleared out in the spring and fall. If clogged, ice will form and back-up under the roof line causing interior water damage. For climates with extreme winter conditions, having heat tape installed along the roof edge and into the downspouts can help avoid ice accumulation. Proper attic insulation should also be in place. Heavy Ice Damming at Roof’s Edge Roof Mounted Heat Tape

• Snow Load – Heavy snow load on any roof and/or deck can eventually lead to failure and collapse. In areas where heavy snow accumulation is prevalent, it is sometimes prudent to hire a professional company to help “shovel” the snow offt he roof.

• Insulate Exterior Pipes – Purchase weather resistant insulation kits to protect exterior pipes and help avoid pipe freeze. All exterior sprinkler systems should be winterized by a professional to remove all water and avoid residual water from freezing and bursting pipes. All pipes leading to exterior spigots should be turned off and drained.

• Chimney Cleaning – All chimneys and flues on wood burning fireplaces should be checked once a year due to the build up of creosote. Don’t forget to check for spark arrestors on all wood burning fireplace chimneys.

• Back Up Generators – These units should never be placed inside of living area quarters, garages or carports due to potential for carbon monoxide poisoning (a colorless, odorless gas which is deadly and emitted from gas burning units). These should only be located outdoors and far from open windows, doors and vents.

• House Numbers – Numbers should be marked in a conspicuous area at the front of the home with visible, contrasting colors so they are clearly visible for emergency services.

Maintaining a Safe and Warm Indoor Environment

Attention to the interior detail begins with the smallest and sometimes most obvious details and can make a very crucial difference in preventing both water and fire losses.

• Property Managers or Caretakers – Secondary/seasonal homes or homes which are unoccupied during cold winter conditions should be checked a minimum of once or twice a week. Comprehensive and conscientious inspections can detect potential mechanical failures and help reduce the severity of water losses due to freezing pipes. A walk through should include running the water in every sink, flushing toilets and possibly include leaving cabinets doors under sinks open to avoid freezing during harsh winter conditions. While some property managers will leave the faucets dripping to avoid freezing pipes, this is not recommended as it can drop community water pressure vital to fire fighting efforts if many homes use this practice.

• Marking the Fire Hydrant – Has anyone seen the fire hydrant? A large marker should be placed near it and surrounding show should be removed to make the hydrant easily visible to the fire department. Less time searching for it means more time fighting the fire! Every second is important.

• Alarms – Best practice for all alarm types is to make sure all batteries are changed every six months. Replace all detectors over 10 years old due to technological updates per the Center for Disease Control. The following are several important alarm types to be considered:

1) Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms should be suggested in all homes with at least one battery operated unit in the event of a power failure.

2) Smoke Alarms – Battery operated unit should have fresh batteries every 6 months

3) Low Temperature Alarms – One sensor per heating zone is necessary to detect malfunction or failure. This can help avert pipe freeze and resulting water damage losses and is required in most territories.

• Interior Thermometer Settings – Any home which is not completely winterized by a professional and is a secondary/seasonal residence or is left unoccupied during cold winter conditions should maintain the thermostat level at a minimum of 55 – 60 degrees or higher. Unheated, seasonal structures with plumbing should be winterized.

• Interior Plumbing Pipes Located on Exterior Walls – Keeping cabinet doors under sink areas open during heavy freeze can allow heat to circulate around pipes. All pipes should be either insulated or have wall insulation surrounding them. Space heaters should never be used in these confined areas! Interior plumbing pipes should not be located near exterior venting to avoid freeze potential.

• Portable Heaters – Space heaters should NOT be placed within 3 feet of anything flammable including curtains, furniture and bedding. Nor should they be placed on top of furniture. Extension cords should not be used to power the units. Any unit with a damaged cord should not be used. Kerosene heaters should never be used unless there is adequate ventilation.

• Baseboard Heaters – Scorch marks on interior walls may be a warning sign the unit is heating to an unsafe level and can create a fire hazard

Lower Your Homeowner Insurance Costs

Homeowners insurance premiums often take a substantial bite out of a family’s budget. You may, however, be paying too much for this coverage. The following are some approaches you can use to reduce your homeowners insurance costs.

• Try to increase your deductible to the highest one you can afford, even if the premium savings do not appear to justify it. This will decrease your premium and increase the likelihood that your loss history will be excellent, since minor losses will be paid by you and not your insurance company. A loss-free record over time saves premium dollars. For example, if you currently have a $250 deductible on your homeowners policy, consider increasing it to $500 or $1,000.

• Consider purchasing a monitored burglar alarm. Alarms have proven successful in reducing burglary rates. In addition, most insurers provide premium discounts to consumers with these alarms, some as high as 20 percent. Some insurers are now offering discounts for homes equipped with permanently installed Backup Electrical Generators and for Non-Smoking Households.

• Maintain your home in optimum condition. If a repair is needed, perform it as soon as possible. For example, loose or missing roof shingles should be repaired or replaced immediately. A home in excellent condition is much less likely to experience a loss.

• Buy your home insurance and your auto insurance from the same company. Discounts normally apply when you do.


Mofied from the January 12, 2011 IRMI e-mail newsletter for personal lines insurance professionals