Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Want to Cut on Travel? Teleconference
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
AugustaChronicle.com article - Rebuilding costs can affect homeowners' coverage
The following AugustaChronicle.com article has been sent to you by Jon (jmiko@alacrityservices.com).
Jon's comment: Rebuilding costs can affect homeowners' coverage
**********************************************
Rebuilding costs can affect homeowners' coverage
If you're a homeowner, your money can be at risk in more ways than you may think. In today's declining housing market, home values have gone south, even if you can find a qualified buyer. With severe spring weather followed by the tropical season, there's much to learn about potential damage to your home.
Consider these common scenarios:
To read the complete article, please visit:
http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/2009/03/30/yrb_516386.shtml
**********************************************
The Augusta Chronicle is your type.
http://www.augustachronicle.com
Alacrity now is on Twitter!
Jonathan R. Miko
Executive Vice President
Alacrity Services, LLC
360 E. 10th Ave., Suite 320
Eugene, OR 97401
1-866-953-3220 ext.3304
404-806-6153 (fax)
jmiko@alacrityservices.com
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
ALE Explained!
Homeowners Insurance 'Additional Living Expenses' Coverage Can Help People Displaced By Hurricane Katrina
Many residents forced from their homes by Hurricane Katrina have insurance coverage under their homeowners insurance policies to pay for food and housing and other essentials of daily life, termed additional living expense (ALE), according to the American Insurance Association.
"Hurricane Katrina evacuees may either be in hotels, in evacuation shelters, or staying with friends or relatives, and may be uncertain as to whether their home is uninhabitable," said Janet Bachman, AIA vice president, claims administration. "These policyholders should call their insurance company to inform them that they have been required to leave their residence and the area due to Hurricane Katrina, and to get advice on how their ALE coverage can assist with additional living expenses if either they were required to evacuate or if their home is uninhabitable due to windstorm or flood damage."
Homeowners insurance policies specify the amount of ALE coverage available. Generally, ALE pays for the difference between what it cost the family before the loss for housing and food and what it costs post-loss. As an example, before the loss a homeowner may have had a mortgage payment and utility bills (phone, electricity, etc.), and average monthly costs for groceries could be $500.
Post-loss, the homeowner/family is staying in a motel or rents an apartment and eats many meals in restaurants. The insurer will pay for the difference between the cost of all these items pre-loss (minus non-continuing expenses such as utilities) and the cost of these things post-loss. Policyholders should keep all receipts for lodging and meals to make the claims process easier. Some insurers will provide ALE funds immediately upon being notified of a loss; others may reimburse policyholders at a later date. It is important for policyholders to contact their insurer or insurance agent for more information about this coverage.
It is important to note that ALE coverage is available only when the insured property is uninhabitable because of a loss covered under the homeowners policy. Federal flood insurance policies do not include ALE coverage, so this assistance will not be available when damage to a home occurred from flooding or storm surge.
The amount of coverage for ALE differs from insurance company to company and depends on the specific homeowners policy. Many policies provide coverage equal to about 20 percent of the amount of insurance on the home. For example, if the dwelling coverage is $500,000, ALE coverage would be $100,000.
"ALE coverage provides an important lifeline to policyholders whose lives are devastated by disasters like Hurricane Katrina," continued Bachman. "In many cases ALE coverage can help families leave shelters and move to better housing and hopefully improve the dire situation in even the slightest way."
Find this article at:
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Get to Know Your Local CSG, Too!
Here are the photos of the CSG reps. Now you can put a face to the voice!
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlacrityRFM/AlacrityCSGs
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlacrityRFM/AlacrityCSGs
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Get to Know Your Local RFM
Here is a link for an online web album with all of the RFMs and their locations (click on the map on the lower left).
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlacrityRFM/AlacrityRFMs
There are some people who have never met some RFMs so this puts a face to the voice. We will be adding a link to the blog for future reference. We will also be adding short 'bios/background' for each person if they want. It can be hobbies/interests/anything they want. If you want something listed please send it to me. Also if you want a photo changed to another one you have send it to me and I'll make the change.
http://picasaweb.google.com/AlacrityRFM/AlacrityRFMs
There are some people who have never met some RFMs so this puts a face to the voice. We will be adding a link to the blog for future reference. We will also be adding short 'bios/background' for each person if they want. It can be hobbies/interests/anything they want. If you want something listed please send it to me. Also if you want a photo changed to another one you have send it to me and I'll make the change.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Preventing Crime at Construction Sites
Here is the link for the US Dept of Justice's report on preventing crime at single family home construction sites.
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/ric/Publications/e08064509.pdf
http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/files/ric/Publications/e08064509.pdf
Keeping Home Construction Safe From Crime and Bumblebee Graffiti - WSJ.com
Keeping Home Construction Safe From Crime and Bumblebee Graffiti - WSJ.com: "Keeping Home Construction Safe From Crime and Bumblebee Graffiti
By NANCY KEATES
May 7, 2008
Over the weekend someone spray-painted a giant bumblebee on the façade of a white McMansion going up in my neighborhood. It was probably kids who couldn't resist the big white target. The graffiti won't cost that much to erase since it is just a matter of sanding and repainting. But it leaves a bad feeling for local homeowners – and raises the issue of security."
By NANCY KEATES
May 7, 2008
Over the weekend someone spray-painted a giant bumblebee on the façade of a white McMansion going up in my neighborhood. It was probably kids who couldn't resist the big white target. The graffiti won't cost that much to erase since it is just a matter of sanding and repainting. But it leaves a bad feeling for local homeowners – and raises the issue of security."
Friday, May 2, 2008
Legislature strikes deal on property insurance bill -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Legislature strikes deal on property insurance bill -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com: "Legislature strikes deal on property insurance bill
By Julie Patel | South Florida Sun-Sentinel"
TALLAHASSEE - The state House late Wednesday night unanimously passed a sweeping property insurance bill that is touted as a "homeowners' bill of rights."
The Senate is expected to approve the compromise measure before the annual legislative session ends Friday, and then send it to Gov. Charlie Crist.
The full House and Senate are expected to approve it before the annual legislative session ends Friday, and then send it to Gov. Charlie Crist.
"It gives consumers greater rights and remedies, freezes some rates and provides more transparency," said Rep. Jack Seiler, D-Fort Lauderdale. "I'm not going to say it's a great bill, but it's a good bill that creates better protections for consumers ... than current law."
By Julie Patel | South Florida Sun-Sentinel"
TALLAHASSEE - The state House late Wednesday night unanimously passed a sweeping property insurance bill that is touted as a "homeowners' bill of rights."
The Senate is expected to approve the compromise measure before the annual legislative session ends Friday, and then send it to Gov. Charlie Crist.
The full House and Senate are expected to approve it before the annual legislative session ends Friday, and then send it to Gov. Charlie Crist.
"It gives consumers greater rights and remedies, freezes some rates and provides more transparency," said Rep. Jack Seiler, D-Fort Lauderdale. "I'm not going to say it's a great bill, but it's a good bill that creates better protections for consumers ... than current law."
CIG Is First Insurer to Support State Ruling on Replacing Homes
CIG Is First Insurer to Support State Ruling on Replacing Homes: "CIG Is First Insurer to Support State Ruling on Replacing Homes"
MONTEREY, CA -- 05/01/08 -- Western region home insurer, CIG, today became the first carrier to publicly endorse the California Department of Insurance legal opinion supporting homeowners' rights to purchase an already built home at a new location using replacement cost insurance coverage.
MONTEREY, CA -- 05/01/08 -- Western region home insurer, CIG, today became the first carrier to publicly endorse the California Department of Insurance legal opinion supporting homeowners' rights to purchase an already built home at a new location using replacement cost insurance coverage.
"The decision of where to rebuild or replace a home that is lost in a fire is entirely up to the homeowner. CIG does not impose any penalty or try to influence the homeowner's choice to rebuild or purchase elsewhere," said Tom Scherff, Vice President of Claims for the Capital Insurance Group (CIG).
"CIG has paid full replacement cost benefits to Californians who chose to rebuild or replace their homes elsewhere, as far away as Florida," Scherff said. "Allowing homeowners to rebuild or buy where they wish has been CIG's practice for years -- prior to the consumer protection laws and regulations enacted after the October 2003 Southern California Wildfires."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Insurance- 'Green' Coalition Opposes Expanding Government Catastrophe Bailouts
Insurance- 'Green' Coalition Opposes Expanding Government Catastrophe Bailouts: "Insurance- 'Green' Coalition Opposes Expanding Government Catastrophe Bailouts
April 30, 2008
An unusual alliance of insurance and environmental groups is urging lawmakers to focus on policies that encourage property mitigation and environmental protection in catastrophe-prone areas, rather than expanding the government's flood insurance or 'bailing out' Florida's catastrophe plan."
April 30, 2008
An unusual alliance of insurance and environmental groups is urging lawmakers to focus on policies that encourage property mitigation and environmental protection in catastrophe-prone areas, rather than expanding the government's flood insurance or 'bailing out' Florida's catastrophe plan."
First Estimate on Virginia Tornado Property Damage: $18 Million
First Estimate on Virginia Tornado Property Damage: $18 Million: "East News
First Estimate on Virginia Tornado Property Damage: $18 Million
April 30, 2008
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine visited the city of Suffolk to comfort storm victims and to survey the damage caused by severe weather that hit central and southeastern Virginia. The governor walked through neighborhoods where homes were badly damaged and went door to door to talk with victims."
First Estimate on Virginia Tornado Property Damage: $18 Million
April 30, 2008
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine visited the city of Suffolk to comfort storm victims and to survey the damage caused by severe weather that hit central and southeastern Virginia. The governor walked through neighborhoods where homes were badly damaged and went door to door to talk with victims."
Free Preview - WSJ.com
Free Preview - WSJ.com: "Catastrophes Make A Comeback: The Year Of The $1B Tornado
Word Count: 601
Following a two-year respite from major hurricane damage, costly weather-related catastrophes are back, courtesy of a new entrant: the $1 billion tornado.
According to the Insurance Services Office, in the first quarter, nine catastrophes caused insured losses of $3.35 billion. The biggest event was a string of tornadoes and severe weather in February that caused $995 million in insured losses.
Losses from a single tornado in March, which drove through Atlanta, could also top $1 billion, once losses are tallied, said one insurance executive.
The first-quarter signals a new level of losses from tornadoes, which are land-based storms. Insurers, already ..."
Word Count: 601
Following a two-year respite from major hurricane damage, costly weather-related catastrophes are back, courtesy of a new entrant: the $1 billion tornado.
According to the Insurance Services Office, in the first quarter, nine catastrophes caused insured losses of $3.35 billion. The biggest event was a string of tornadoes and severe weather in February that caused $995 million in insured losses.
Losses from a single tornado in March, which drove through Atlanta, could also top $1 billion, once losses are tallied, said one insurance executive.
The first-quarter signals a new level of losses from tornadoes, which are land-based storms. Insurers, already ..."
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
9 Catastrophes to Cost P/C Insurers $3 Billion in 1st Quarter
9 Catastrophes to Cost P/C Insurers $3 Billion in 1st Quarter: "9 Catastrophes to Cost P/C Insurers $3 Billion in 1st Quarter
April 29, 2008
U.S. property/casualty insurers are expected to pay homeowners
and businesses an estimated $3.35 billion for first-quarter property losses resulting from nine catastrophes."
April 29, 2008
U.S. property/casualty insurers are expected to pay homeowners
and businesses an estimated $3.35 billion for first-quarter property losses resulting from nine catastrophes."
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Florida Court: Allstate Insurance Back in Business…Again
Florida Court: Allstate Insurance Back in Business…Again
Allstate Insurance Co. filed a motion Monday with Florida's First District Court of Appeal requesting a rehearing of an opinion the court issued on April 4, which lifted a stay of suspension to write new business.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Powerful Storms Leave Thousands of Mississippians without Power
Powerful Storms Leave Thousands of Mississippians without Power: "Powerful Storms Leave Thousands of Mississippians without Power
By Ron Harrist
April 7, 2008
Authorities say thousands of people were left in the dark after powerful storms with strong winds, heavy rain, hail and possible tornadoes tore across Mississippi late last week."
By Ron Harrist
April 7, 2008
Authorities say thousands of people were left in the dark after powerful storms with strong winds, heavy rain, hail and possible tornadoes tore across Mississippi late last week."
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mortgage Mess Hits Home For Nation's Small Builders - WSJ.com
Mortgage Mess Hits Home For Nation's Small Builders - WSJ.com: "Mortgage Mess Hits Home
For Nation's Small Builders
Delinquencies Rise,
Hitting Local Banks;
Mr. Whitlatch Folds
By MICHAEL CORKERY
March 21, 2008; Page A1
TWINSBURG, Ohio -- In the first wave of the housing crisis, homeowners across the U.S. lost their properties to foreclosure. Now, many of the nation's small and midsize home builders are on the ropes."
For Nation's Small Builders
Delinquencies Rise,
Hitting Local Banks;
Mr. Whitlatch Folds
By MICHAEL CORKERY
March 21, 2008; Page A1
TWINSBURG, Ohio -- In the first wave of the housing crisis, homeowners across the U.S. lost their properties to foreclosure. Now, many of the nation's small and midsize home builders are on the ropes."
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Google to Make Hurricane Flood Threat Data Available to Public
Google to Make Hurricane Flood Threat Data Available to Public: "Google to Make Hurricane Flood Threat Data Available to Public
March 20, 2008
Copyright Reuters
Americans in the hurricane danger zone may soon be able to use Google to find out if their own home is threatened by a dangerous storm surge, the director of the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday."
March 20, 2008
Copyright Reuters
Americans in the hurricane danger zone may soon be able to use Google to find out if their own home is threatened by a dangerous storm surge, the director of the National Hurricane Center said Wednesday."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
